Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed it has begun test trials of the first vessel of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network.
The state-owned company stated it is conducting the test trials with assistance from the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure. MTCC also thanked vessel manufacturer Gulf Craft Maldives for its dedicated commitment and assistance and stated the test trials will be conducted for a week.
The ferries being manufactured for the project have a speed of 30 nautical miles and a capacity of 50 passengers and are designed to be accessible for stretchers and people with disabilities
The National Public Ferry Network aims to establish a convenient and efficient transport system to all administrative islands of the Maldives. The government contracted MTCC to establish the ferry services, which will be available in six zones, as identified in the National Spatial Plan. The services will first be established in Zone 1, which consists of all the 40 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll.
Gulf Craft Maldives is contracted to manufacture 17 ferries for Zone 1 allocated under the National Spatial Plan. Furthermore, MTCC is currently establishing ferry terminals and stops for the project.