Kulhudhuhfushi Port receives cargo direct from Tuticorin

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL)'s bid to establish regular shipping with Tuticorin, India saw its first cargo boat arrive at Kulhudhuhfushi Port yesterday. 

MPL said last night that the boat which docked at Kulhudhuhfushi Port yesterday is the 'VB Progress', which was carrying 127 tonnes of cargo. 

 MPL said that the boat had been carrying STO's construction material and perishable goods of a private business. 

According to MPL, the current schedule is to hold one monthly trip between Tuticorin and Kulhudhuhfushi Port. However, depending on cargo demand, the trips could be increased. 

"Establishing regular trips between Tuticorin and Kulhudhuhfushi Port will bring down the price of goods in Kulhudhuhfushi and other northern atolls," MPL stated. 

In August, new services including a duty free zone, a bonded area for food produce and duty free goods, as well as a bonded warehouse for resorts in the region was established at the Kulhudhuhfushi Port.

Additionally, to facilitate cargo distribution in the atoll, an area was set up for domestic businesses to unload goods at the port on August 26. An area was also designated for bulk storage of construction goods such as gravel. 

MPL held a meeting with Kulhudhuhfushi businesses in August to explore avenues of expanding business opportunities in the north. 

Last year, MPL established regular cargo trips between Tuticorin and Addu Hithadhoo Port. Although initially one monthly trip was arranged, it has since been increased, according to MPL.