Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated that 99 percent of the vessels using the Male’ North Harbour are officially registered to operate in the area.
Only registered vessels are permitted to anchor in the North Harbour, which MPL now manages along with the commercial port and the harbour area near the fish market.
Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, MPL’s Assistant General Manager responsible for Male’ North Habour operation, Ahmed Hamdhullah Rasheed said the registration of vehicles using the area is an ongoing process that can be completed at any time. MPL staff visits the harbour area every morning and evening to inform fishing vessels regarding registration requirements, he said.
According to Hamdhullah, MPL is actively assisting unregistered vessels by explaining the services provided and the documentation required for registration. The documents required for registration can be sent to MPL via Viber or WhatsApp, after which MPL would then process the registration, he said.
"There is no fixed deadline for registration. Registration will continue every day. 99 percent of cargo and passenger vessels have already been registered. Some vessels remain unregistered due to lack of documentation, but they are currently working to complete this,” he said.
Hamdullah emphasised that MPL wishes to operate the port as a public service rather than purely a commercial port. He said MPL aims to provide smooth and accessible services for the public.
With the ongoing expansion of the North Harbour area, MPL is working to introduce new faculties and services to the newly added area. This includes making fuel and ice available for purchase from within the harbour area, MPL said.