Speedboats coming to Malé from the atolls have started using the Henveiru Ferry Terminal on Thursday.
Speedboats coming to Malé from the atolls have begun using the Henveiru Ferry Terminal on Thursday.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu decided last Thursday to open the harbor at the terminal in front of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel (now "Barceló Nasandhura Malé") and the Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal harbor to all speedboat ferry operators.
According to this decision, speedboats began operating to the islands from the Henveiru Ferry Terminal yesterday.
Speaking to journalists near the terminal, MTCC CEO Ahmed Saudhee said that although it has been serving as a docking area for ferries traveling to Hulhulé and CROSSROADS, the terminal will easily accommodate atoll speedboats once their schedules are received.
When the opportunity to register vessels for terminal use was opened, applications were received from three islands in Alif Dhaalu atoll, Kaafu atoll, and five islands in Baa atoll.
MTCC stated that once the service begins, the terminal will be able to accommodate 15 speed ferries daily.
That's approximately 2,000 passengers. According to the service plan, MTCC also said that the Henveiru Terminal has space for five speedboats to dock simultaneously, while the Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal has space for three speedboats to dock at the same time.
MTCC said that for passengers' convenience, toilet facilities and drinking water will also be available at the terminal.
Passengers disembarking from speedboats coming from atolls arriving in Malé has been a significant hardship for a long time. In particular, there have been many complaints about having to wait for long periods in the sun.
Henveiru ferry terminal -- Photo - Nishan Ali - Mihaaru