The Uthuru Maritime Services (UMS) website, a specialised website for maritime services targeted for the country’s northern region, launched on Tuesday — Uthuru, means North in the local Dhivehi.
The UMS website aims to share information on Maldives Port Limited’s(MPL’s) upcoming maritime services in the north and will include information on agents providing services as well as services available to the international market.
Speaking at the launch event, MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim said the website is geared to provide maritime services to the foreign market. MPL, the company tasked by the administration with launching maritime services in the Maldives, will tie up with other companies to provide a range of services, the CEO said.
“When we start maritime services with the bunkering service, we will provide services such as maintenance, underwater oil replacement, and other services for bunkering or to other vessels. We will also work with various agencies to provide water services and waste management,” he explained.
Wajeeh said the company will work to provide maritime services in an environmentally friendly manner.
Meanwhile, Shimad Ibrahim, Managing Director of the State Trading Organization (STO), said the bunkering service will launch in mid-September and is expected to increase foreign exchange inflows to the Maldives.
According to Shimad, STO is preparing to provide bunkering services in collaboration with MPL and hopes to provide additional services to the vessels within the region. He said that providing these services on a wide scale with the company would further develop the sector.
MPL, in addition to providing international fuel bunkering services, will look to launch ancillary services such as speed boat services, pilotage, water bunkering, crew changes, and maintenance.