Indian research vessels involved in deep sea exploration in the Indian Ocean will soon dock at the Jeppiaar Fishing Harbour in Kanyakumari, which is being revamped into a research port. Scientists at Ministry of Earth Sciences narrowed down on this harbour as it provides a convenient location for research vessels, be it for exploration of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea or the Indian Ocean. Further, the main shipping corridor is right below that location.
Currently, research ships are required to dock at ports in Chennai, Tuticorin, Vizag or Goa where they must wait for a berth to be allotted. Docking all vessels in Muttom, where the sea depth is favourable for larger vessels, would mean avoiding circumnavigating Sri Lanka and quick docking upon arrival.
