MSS Galena, the first ship purchased by Maldives State Shipping (MSS), has made its maiden call at the Male' Commercial Harbour.
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) held a special ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the ship, which was attended by senior officials of MPL, MSS, and Maldives Transport Authority.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager Mohamed Nazim said MSS aims to make a trip every eight days between Male' City and Colombo, Sri Lanka. He said the new ship is the capacity to carry 780 containers, a 60-tonne crane, and 60 barrels. MSS has stated the new ship will ease the company's work and overcome the challenges it has faced since the COVID-19 pandemic and that the maiden call of MSS Galena is a huge achievement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director Abdulla Saeed said MSS plans to purchase more ships and eliminate the reliance on chartered fleets.
The MSS fleet also consists of general cargo ships that are transporting goods between Addu City and Tuticorin, India, which has greatly reduced the price of goods in the city.
MSS is a subsidiary company of State Trading Company (STO) which was established to reduce the price of goods imported into the country.