Pilot boat and tug boat required for commencing bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhi, northern most atoll of Maldives, has been brought into the country.
Pilot boat and tug boat required for commencing bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhi, northern most atoll of Maldives, has been brought into the country.
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) announced through a press release yesterday that these boats have been taken to the port in Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuhfushi on Friday. They said that the boats had been received with a water salute on arrival.
The statement further said that MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim had extended congratulations to the boats' captains and crew.
MPL stated that they are in the last stage of preparations and are ready to commence bunkering services, adding that they consider it as a national service as it would have a significant positive impact on the economy.
They said that office premises needed for the bunkering service are also being built at speed, and expected to be completed by August 15.
MPL has signed an MOU with Haa Alif atoll Uligan Council last week to build a yacht marina on the island. They are currently accepting EOIs from interested parties who wish to take on the project.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has announced last month that bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhu will be commenced in August. According to Saeed, introduction of these services will have a major positive effect on the economy, with him predicting that USD 400 million will be added to Maldives' GDP. At present, the Maldives' GDP is USD 6.5 billion.
In March, State Trading Organization (STO) signed an agreement with Vitol, the world’s largest private energy company to establish an international bunkering project in Ihavandhippolhu, titled the International Bunkering Facility at the Maldives Economic Gateway (Ihavandhippolhu).
More than 300 new ships sail daily near Ihavandhippolhu, however, there is not much option to provide services to the ships in the area.
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