Seven parties express interest to use ferry terminals

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) revealed that seven parties have expressed interest to use the Henveiru and Hulhumalé ferry terminals.

This comes following a decision by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu last Thursday to open the use of the Hulhumalé ferry terminal and the terminal opposite of former Nasandhura Palace Hotel (now Barcelo Nasandhura Malé) to all speedboat and ferry operators.

Along with this decision, the government also opened up registrations for the vessels that would be used .

In a statement by MTCC yesterday, the state owned company detailed that three islands from Alifu Dhaalu atoll, and five islands from Kaafu atoll and Baa atoll expressed interest to use the hubs.

The islands are:

- Alifu Dhaalu atoll: Fenfushi, Maamigili and Dhidhhoo

- Kaafu atoll: Guraidhoo, Maafushi, Gulhi, Gaafaru and Kaashidhoo

- Baa atoll: Thulhaadhoo, Hithaadhoo, Goidhoo, Fehendhoo and Fulhadhoo.

MTCC said the terminals would be able to accommodate 15 speedboats once services commence, which would account for about 200 passengers.

According to the company, Henveiru terminal would be able to dock five speedboats at once while the Hulhumalé terminal would allow for three.

"Each vessel will get a turn around period of 30 minutes from the time it docks at the jetty. A dedicated waiting area will be allocated for passengers to wait between departures," MTCC said.

The terminal will also have toilet facilities and drinking water for the convenience of passengers.

This move comes at a time when passengers travelling to Malé from ferries and speedboats to Malé have had a difficult time accessing the island, with many having to wait long hours in the sun waiting for their transport.