Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated that arrangements will be made to provide fuel and ice from the North Harbor area with the changes being implemented. MPL is currently managing the commercial port of Male’ and the North Harbor area, including the fish market area and up to the crossbar of the local market in front of it. This area was handed over to MPL during last June. With the expansion of the Male’ North Harbor area, MPL has been working on making necessary changes and bringing services to the newly added area.
In PSM News’ “Raajje Miadu” program, Ahmed Hamdullah Rasheed, MPL’s Assistant General Manager in charge of North Harbor operations, said that the company is preparing to provide additional services needed by fishermen and vessels in the North Harbor area. He mentioned that arrangements will be made for fishermen to obtain ice from that area.
He also stated that MPL is arranging for vessels to be able to refuel at reasonable prices. Hamdullah Rasheed said that having water, electricity, fuel, and ice available from North Harbor would be a great convenience. “We at MPL have decided to find an easy and affordable way to provide ice to the public and fishermen. So, we have decided to establish an ice plant or a way to get ice. We are also planning to provide fuel service, not so much on a business principle, but because approximately 125 vessels, excluding fishing boats, travel there monthly, and they need that service. We are planning to provide the fuel service at the most minimum rate, not on a business principle,” said Ahmed Hamdullah Rasheed.
MPL said they will start providing services from next month through certain arrangements after developing the area. MPL has stated that they have organized the area up to the fish market on the northern side of Male’ harbor, creating space for 99 vessels to dock. Previously, MPL had said that the North Harbor quay wall could accommodate 32 or 34 vessels.
