Maldives Shipping Service's first cargo liner docks at Male'

Maldives State Shipping (MSS)'s and Maldives' first cargo liner, the 'MV Iberian Express', arrived in the country on Sunday, docking at the Male' Commercial Harbour (MPL).

The cargo vessel dropped anchor after completing its maiden voyage to the country from neighbouring Sri Lanka, having transported a shipment of staple foods.

State Trading Organization (STO)'s Managing Director Hussain Amru earlier stated that the dependence on imports meant Maldives required a reliable shipping line, adding the MSS would reduce the price of imports and benefit the economy.

Established as a subsidiary company to Maldives' largest importer of staples, fuel and other goods, STO says the new shipping line would provide a more feasible pathway for imports.

MSS's Managing Director Abdulla Saeed said MSS would also open opportunities for former captains and seafarers.

The vessel has a reported carrying capacity of 13760 deadweight tonnage and is capable of carrying 700 20-foot containers at a time.

Maldives boasted an extensive shipping line from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. However, the national shipping line halted operations amidst a series of corruption scandals and mismanagement.