A new 112-metre casino vessel linked to the Deltin group arrived in Goa on Wednesday and has been berthed at Berth No. 4 of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), where it is expected to remain for nearly a month for renovation work and mandatory sea clearance procedures.
The vessel, which has a reported passenger capacity of around 200 people, is expected to eventually replace Deltin’s Kings Casino vessel currently operating in the Mandovi River. The existing casino vessel is widely recognised for its dolphin-shaped design and has long been one of the prominent offshore casinos operating in Goa.
According to the shipping agent handling the vessel, several technical and certification-related procedures are pending before the ship can become operational.
“The remaining documentation process, roofing, panel changing, certification and the sea trial of the vessel will be done within the 1 month,” the shipping agent said.
Sources said the vessel will undergo repair and modification work while docked at the MPA facility. Authorities, however, have not yet officially announced where the vessel will ultimately be deployed after completion of the work and certification process.
The arrival of another large offshore casino vessel has meanwhile triggered criticism and concern among sections of residents and activists in Panaji.
Opponents have raised fears about increased congestion in the Mandovi River, environmental pollution, pressure on river navigation, and possible regulatory violations connected to the introduction of an additional casino vessel in Goa’s waters.
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