No fees for fishing vessels docking in front of fish market: MPL

Maldives Ports Limited has clarified that while a fee will apply to vessels docking near the fish market starting in September, fishing vessels will be exempt from this charge.

MPL made the announcement after oversight of the remaining section of North Harbour was transferred under the company by the Transport Ministry.

MPL has always charged a fee from vessels docking at the North Harbour. Now, with the North Harbour jurisdiction being extended to the area in front of the fish market, the same charges are being applied to all vessels, excluding fishing vessels, docking in the area.

MPL's Assistant General Manager Ahmed Hamdulla Rasheed said that MPL has now organized the areas added under their jurisdiction, including the North Harbour.

"We haven't yet organized the area in front of the fish market. We believe we can do that by end of tomorrow," he said.

Hamdulla stated that as part of efforts to organize the area, MPL will clear out vessels used as expatriate housing and reserve the area for fishing boats.

"That area will be reserved solely for fishing vessels. Supply boats carrying goods won't be allowed to dock there either," Hamdulla said.

Hamdulla assured that MPL has no intention of charging a fee from fishing vessels although other vessels docking at the North Harbour are charged a fee.

With the expansion of the North Harbour, there will now be space to dock 54 vessels, MPL said. 20 slots will be reserved especially for fishing vessels.