First Vessel of Integrated National Public Ferry Network Goes into Testing

The ‘Integrated National Public Ferry Network’ has to be one of the most promising transport projects currently ongoing in the Maldives. Much needed due to the natural geography of the archipelago, the network will provide convenient, efficient, and modern solutions to the public to transfer from tip to tip of the country.  
 
Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the project as Maldives Transport and Contracting Company who is undertaking this massive initiative announced the launch of the first vessel to be used in operations. Built by the experienced Gulf Craft in the Maldives, the launch is expected to be tested, its engine commissioned, and trialed within this week.  
 
Senior officials of MTCC including CEO Adam Azim, and Deputy Director General of Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Anwar Ali along with MNPHI members attended the launching ceremony.  
 
The first phase of the project is targeted to the three northernmost atolls in the Maldives – H.A., H.Dh., and Sh. Atolls. MTCC states that official operations will commence this upcoming November with 6 vessels and will come to a full fledged fleet of 17 by early 2022. Once complete, high speed ferry services will connect 41 islands within the region.