Four vessels operating in southern Maldives shifted to Felivaru

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has announced transferring four vessels from southern Maldives to Lhaviyani atoll Felivaru and the transfer of a fish processing vessel with a capacity of over 100 tonnes to Kooddoo.

In a statement issued yesterday, MIFCO detailed significant operational changes to support local fishermen. These changes aim to ease the challenges fishermen face, particularly in selling skipjack tuna to MIFCO.

Four RSW vessels; Randhi 23, 24, 25, and 26, which previously operated at Kooddoo located in the south, will now be based in Felivaru. The company's vessel, Jazeera 102, capable of processing over 100 tonnes of fish per day, will now operate out of Kooddoo.

MIFCO General Manager Ahmed Zahir said that the changes are designed to improve access to fresh fish stored in the RSW, which is essential for the canning factory in Felivaru.

"The relocation of these four vessels to the north will provide more harbors to purchase fish, boosting fishermen's confidence that their catch will be weighed," Zahir said.

He noted that during peak fishing seasons in the south, smaller Randhi series boats often did not reach full capacity. The relocation of Jazeera 102 to the south is expected to increase fish icing capacity, reducing queues for selling fish during the season.

MIFCO also mentioned that its latest fleet additions, Jazeera-106 and Jazeera-105, are already engaged in fish purchase, with the new vessel Jazeera-104 expected to become operational soon.

Jazeera-104 which is currently in Malé harbor, is undergoing final preparations for fish purchasing. MIFCO anticipates its fleet will be able to store an additional 150 tonnes of fish for the upcoming season.

In total, MIFCO operates 13 vessels for fish weighing and purchase, with five major vessels dedicated to transporting fish to various sites.