The Union Minister of Shipping, G.K.Vasan launched the much awaited Thoothukudi–Colombo passenger ferry service at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu today. He embarked the ship M.V. Scotia Prince and wished the crew and the passengers before flagging off the ship.

Speaking on the occasion, Vasan stated that the event was a historic one for Indian Shipping, particularly for VOC Port and Tamilnadu, since it marked the revival after so many decades of the service started by V.O.C in 1907.

He stated that this was a fulfillment of a long pending public demand and this would benefit people of both the countries, particularly the Tamil Population besides giving boost to cultural ties, tourism and trade. This service will help in transforming VOC Port and Thoothukudi into a hub for passenger ferry services and cruise shipping.

He said that the government is also working on resuming the Rameshwaram-Talaimanar ferry service which was discontinued in the 1980s.