A superfast catamaran service between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Goa became operational. This twin-hull luxury catamaran, imported from a Norwegian company by Damania Shipping Ltd, revolutionized coastal travel in India.
Launch Date: 14 November 1994
Operator: Damania Shipping Ltd
Vessel Type: Twin-hull luxury catamaran
Imported From: Norway
Length: 40 meters
Passenger Capacity: 400 seats
Speed: 40 knots (approx. 74 km/h)
Distance Covered: 225 nautical miles (~417 km)
Travel Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Much quicker than trains (~8-12 hours) and road travel (~12-14 hours).
Aimed at providing a comfortable and premium alternative to road and rail.
Although the service ceased operations after a few years, it paved the way for newer maritime transport ideas.
Recent Mumbai-Goa ferry projects were inspired by this initiative.
Despite its promising start, the service did not last long due to:
High operational costs
Limited demand due to pricing
Weather-related disruptions in the monsoon season
Rise of low-cost airlines, which offered a quicker alternative
Even though it ceased operations, the Mumbai-Goa catamaran remains a pioneering effort in India’s maritime passenger transport.
