MPL expands logistics as separate service

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has officially launched logistics service on Thursday, under which they will transport imported goods and staples to the atolls. 

At the Maldives Marine Expo, MPL's 'Maldives National Logistics' service was officially inaugurated by Finance Minister Moosa Zameer. 

MPL said that the service aims to ease transport of essential goods and staples to warehouses located across the atolls. Maldives National Logistics will also work to further strengthen 'Cold Chain Capacity' in transporting the goods to these warehouses through scheduled trips, they said. 

Maldives National Logistics is a comprehensive system designed by MPL to link all stages of import and export transport, warehouse storage and goods delivery through a single network, MPL stated. 

This, they said, will bring a permanent solution to challenges faced in goods transport in the country, and offer convenience to businesses and the public. 

MPL said that the government had tasked them with managing their ANCHOR logistics network in December last year. With this, the current logistics services at MPL have now been expanded, and Maldives National Logistics has been set up as a separate service. 

In future, MPL will be providing domestic transport service as well under the Maldives National Logistics. 

This involves transport of transship containers brought to the Male' Commercial Harbour to Kulhudhuffushi Port and Addu Hithadhoo Port on MPL vessels. 

This will save goods transport costs for businesses, and expedite goods delivery, according to MPL. The role of regional ports will also be expanded with this service, presenting economic advancements, they added. 

MPL Chief Logistics Officer Ahmed Nazim said that the biggest advantage of Maldives National Logistics service is that goods will be transported through scheduled deliveries. 

"MPL will provide the service of delivering goods set for islands to the nearest port, without involving third parties. Under MPL's ferry system, the goods will be delivered on the scheduled dates," Nazim said. 

MPL has now contracted the building of a landing craft for the service. The company said that this vessel will be brought into operation within the next eight months. 

Alongside Maldives National Logistics, MPL plans to introduce additional services. This includes establishing 'commercial warehousing' on the industrial island of Thilafushi. The purpose of this is to ensure safe storage of goods which have completed clearance.