Cargo ferry service will ensure urban progress for Kulhudhuffushi port: MSS

The biggest progress brought by the cargo ferry services launched between Maldives and India will be the urban development of Kulhudhuffushi City’s port, says Maldives State Shipping (MSS).

Speaking in an appearance on RaajjeTV’s ‘Fala Surukhee’ programme, about the cargo ferry service that was launched with the maiden voyage of ‘MCP Linz’ on Saturday, MSS’s Managing Director Abdulla Saeed highlighted some of the developments the shipping industry will experience.

MSS noted that this marks a new era of shipping in Maldives with better opportunities for Maldivian businesses and citizens.

Saeed noted that a port will only see urban progress with regular traffic.

Highlighting that the regional ports across Maldives require development as well, Saeed stated that the services that are accessible in Maldives capital Malé City have still not reached regional ports. He stressed that the goods on ‘MCP Linz’ were unloaded onto the harbor of the city, as an adequate jetty is yet to be developed in the northern city.

Operated by Shipping Limited of India, Maldives State Shipping is the agent in the Maldives who is responsible with unloading the ferry and providing required assistance.

Saeed further noted that he believes the biggest progress observed in 2020 thus far to the shipping line, is that scheduled trips have resumed as planned.

‘MCP Linz’ will connect Tuticorin and Cochin ports of India with Kulhudhufushi City and Madives capital, Malé City. The combination vessel has the capacity to carry 380 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) and 3,000 metric tons of bulk cargo and has a turnaround time of 10 – 12 days for its voyages.

The cargo ferry service is deemed a key instrument to upgrade the trade partnership and liberate logistics on both sides. The service connectivity to the northern port of Kulhudhuffushi will “underpin the economic development” in the north of Maldives and facilitate investments in tourism and other engines of prosperity.

The cargo ferry service has been described as another commitment delivered by India to connect markets of both countries and unlock trade and investment potential between both countries. Ferries have been scheduled 2 – 3 times a month.