High-level national ceremony held to commission a patrol vessel gifted by Australian government into service

A grand ceremony has been held to officially commission into service a patrol vessel gifted to the Maldives by the Australian government.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended as the guest of honor at the commissioning ceremony for the vessel, officially named "Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin."

During a ceremony held Monday night at the Hulhumalé International Terminal, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially accepted the symbolic vessel and presented a letter of appreciation to the Australian government on behalf of the Maldives. Following the presentation, the President officially unveiled the name of the vessel.

President Muizzu has officially commissioned the "Imaduddin" into service, the latest addition to the Coast Guard fleet. During the ceremony, the President presented the commissioning document and the national flag to the vessel's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sinan Zahir. Following the presentation, the crew boarded the "Imaduddin" to perform a formal commissioning drill.

Following the longest sea voyage in the history of the Maldivian military, the patrol boat gifted by Australia was successfully delivered to the Maldives on June 15th this year.

Patrol boat donated by the Australian government | Australian High Commission

Upon its arrival at the Hulhumalé harbor following its departure from Perth, Australia, the vessel was officially welcomed by the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, and the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup.

The vessel entered the Hulhumalé harbor accompanied by a ceremonial Coast Guard escort and was honored with a traditional water salute upon arrival. Once the vessel docked at the Coast Guard pier in Hulhumalé, it was officially welcomed by the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, and the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup, who both conducted an inspection of the craft.

A water salute is accorded to the patrol boat gifted by the Australian government to the Maldives, as it concludes its voyage from Perth, Australia, to Malé. | Asutralian High Commission

The MNDF stated that prior to the vessel's arrival in the Maldives, MNDF Coast Guard crews completed specialized operational training and familiarization trials in Australia.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) previously stated that the vessel was scheduled to be commissioned and brought into service during the month of July. The MNDF further noted that the addition of this vessel will significantly enhance its capabilities in monitoring Maldivian territorial waters, curbing illegal maritime activities, and conducting search and rescue operations during maritime emergencies.

The official handover ceremony for the Guardian-class patrol boat (GPB-24) took place in Australia on April 4th of this year. The Australian government’s commitment to donate the vessel was first announced by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, during his official visit to the Maldives in June 2025.

The vessel handover ceremony took place at the HMAS Stirling naval base in Perth, Australia. Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of the Royal Australian Navy represented the Australian government at the event. Representing the Maldives was Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.

Official handover ceremony of the Guardian-class patrol boat (GPB-24). | MNDF

Built by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, Australia, this 40-meter vessel was gifted to the Maldives under the Australian Defence Cooperation Program.

The "Guardian-class" patrol boats are a vital component of Australia's Pacific Maritime Security Program. Since 2018, Australia has supplied these vessels to more than 12 countries across the region.

Following the commissioning ceremony, President Muizzu, along with senior Australian representatives and high-ranking officials from both nations, toured the "Imaduddin" to inspect the vessel.

The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers and senior government officials from various levels.