Ministry of Economic Development on Thursday contracted a foreign firm to provide consultancy for the development of international transshipment port facilities in the north and south of Maldives.
The ministry's bid for consultancy was won by a joint venture between Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS) of Netherlands and Niras of Denmark. The project was awarded for MVR 13.2 million.
Under the agreement, the contractor is to conduct feasibility assessments to develop transshipment ports in the natural atoll of Ihavandhippolhu (administratively the northern tip of Haa Alif Atoll), and the southern region of Laamu Atoll. Following the feasibility research, the company will undertake the subsequent surveys and assessments on how to proceed with the project.
In addition, the contractor is also tasked with conducting the feasibility assessment of the international port to be developed in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll.
Speaking after the contract signing, State Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Iyad Hameed noted that more than 25 million cargo containers are shipped from the north of Maldives, while over five million are shipped from the south, to destinations all over the world.
He declared that the construction of transshipment ports would further strengthen the economic sector of the country.