The Government has awarded Malaysian company Altas Oil and Gas Malaysia Sdn Bhd a contract to establish ice plants on 11 islands across the Maldives, as part of efforts to strengthen the country's fisheries infrastructure.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources signed the agreement at a special ceremony today. State Minister Mohamed Muthalib signed on behalf of the Ministry, while Directors Vijay K Pillai and Mohammad Taufik bin Othman represented Altas Oil and Gas Sdn Bhd.
Under the agreement, the company will establish ice plants in Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Kulhudhuffushi and Hulhudheli in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Gaafaru in Kaafu Atoll; Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Muli in Meemu Atoll, Maamendhoo, Nilandhoo and Vilingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Mohamed Muthalib highlighted the difficulties fishermen face in obtaining ice during favourable fishing seasons, despite the Maldives having the capacity to produce 1,700 tonnes of ice.
He explained that each new facility would produce 30 tonnes of ice per day and have a storage capacity of 50 tonnes. The State Minister expressed confidence that the project would help address the shortage experienced by fishermen during periods of increased fishing activity.
The project is scheduled for completion within the next six months, with the contractor assuring the Ministry that it can finish the work within this timeframe.
Under the agreement, the company will design the 30-tonne ice plants, carry out the necessary technical work and supply tube ice plant equipment suitable for operation on the designated islands. The facilities will also incorporate a seawater-based cooling system suited to the Maldives' marine environment.
Beyond supplying the equipment, the company will undertake the construction, installation, testing and commissioning of the plants. It will also coordinate transportation arrangements, manage the project and assist with preparing the necessary documentation and handing over the completed facilities.
The agreement further covers warranty and after-sales services, which the company will arrange in accordance with its commitments to the Ministry.
The Ministry expects the completed facilities to make fresh ice more readily available to fishing communities across different regions of the Maldives, significantly reducing the time and travel required to obtain supplies.
The Government is also establishing ice plants and cold storage facilities across the country as part of its efforts to strengthen the fisheries industry and support fishermen.