Introduction of Direct Cargo Ferry Services between Maldives-India

The beginning of direct cargo ferry services between Maldives-India was jointly commemorated through a virtual ceremony held yesterday attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Maldives, Ms. Aishath Nahula. Minster of State for Shipping of India, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya and other delegates from both countries.

Photo: Transport Ministry

MCP Linz, the cargo ferry vessel in use specifically for the purpose, has the capacity of 200 TEU and 3000 MT of break bulk cargo. The ferry services will be operated jointly by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Maldives State Shipping (MSS) and will run twice a month, which primarily travels between the Maldivian northern island, kulhudhuffushi and Kochi (Cochin), a major port city in the south-west coast of India.

Photo: Transport Ministry

It was highlighted by the government of Maldives that the introduction of the service is aimed at increasing the commercial benefits with focus on the northern atolls to provide a cost effective, direct and alternate mean of transportation of goods between Maldives and India. The government additionally aims to significantly increase the demand of local Maldivian products which will be exported through this

Photo: Transport Ministry

The vessel began its maiden voyage yesterday from Kochi and is expected to arrive at kulhudhuffushi on September 26^th and Male’ on September 29^th. The launch of this service is another milestone reached in the comprehensive bilateral relations between Maldives and India.