Direct cargo services between Thoothukudi and Addu have recommenced with 800 tonnes of goods arriving in the city today.
The initiative to import goods from India's Thoothukudi (formerly Tuticorin) to Addu City on a permanent basis in collaboration with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has been very successful, with 800 tonnes of cargo arriving in the city today on the third trip, the company announced.
The trips to import perishable goods and other general cargo to Addu from Thoothukudi commenced on July 10 with 150 tonnes of goods. However, a total of 800 tonnes of goods including onions, potatoes, watermelon and eggs as well as other general cargo arrived in Addu today, MPL said.
These trips were commenced in collaboration with MPL, Hithadhoo Port, as well as India's Finance Group.
In light of the third trip, MPL's CEO Mohamed Wajeeh travelled to Addu City to observe the clearance process of the goods.
Wajeeh previously said that the goal is to have shipments arrive to Addu from India every 10 or 15 days. He also said that the Finance Group's request in this project is to ensure security and increase demand. He said the company has been assured that there would be no issues with security.
Wajeeh's plan is to have the produce shipped from India to Fuvahmulah as well, via the ferry system.
While the government has recommenced these cargo trips from Thoothukudi to Addu, similar efforts were also carried out by the previous administration.
During the previous administration, a cargo ferry service was commenced between Thoothukudi and Addu, with a scheduled frequency of every 20 days. However, it was later suspended due to a lack of demand.
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