Maldives State Shipping (MSS) has commenced operations of the cargo ferry service between Thinadhoo and Tuticorin, India.
As part of the cargo ferry service launched between Tuticorin, Addu City and Huvadhu Atoll, the MSS cargo ship MV Bonthi II docked in Thinadhoo on December 22 with 400 tonnes of cargo. A special ceremony was held in Thinadhoo to mark the arrival of the first cargo ferry from India.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of State Trading Organisation (STO) Hussain Amr said the inauguration of the cargo ferry service is a major development milestone for Huvadhu Atoll. He said the service will enable goods to be imported at cheaper prices, noting the ferry will arrive in Thinadhoo every 20 days. He added the government plans to make Huvadhu Atoll one of the main trading hubs of the Maldives.
Speaking further, Amr highlighted the success achieved by MSS in a relatively short period of time since its establishment. As such, he noted MSS has signed agreements with several major shipping lines of the world, enabling the expansion of its business. MSS was established in April this year, as a subsidiary company of STO.
The company was formed with the purpose of facilitating the import of items through a local company at low prices.