South-to-South Connection of Ports Between Maldives and India Established!
Back in September this year, direct cargo ferry services between Maldives-India was commenced. At inception, a cargo ferry vessel under the name MCP Linz was utilized to run twice a month between the Maldivian northern island, Kulhudhuffushi and Kochi (Cochin), a major port city in the south-west coast of India. The ferry services are jointly operated by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Maldives State Shipping (MSS).
MSS has announced through social media that ferry services have commenced to a new route as part of the project. Accordingly, direct cargo ferry services began between Thoothukudi (formerly known as Tuticorin), a port city in South India and the Southern Ports of Maldives in Addu Atoll and Huvadhu Atoll. For the south-to-south operations, their vessel ‘MV Bonthi II’ would be utilized. The vessel has already set sail to Thoothukudi on her maiden voyage and is expected to reach the destination sometime this evening.
According to MSS, cargo booking arrangements for all of their vessels through their hotline +9607309700 or via email to sales@stateshipping.mv.
The project is aimed at increasing the commercial benefits with focus on the northern atolls and southern atolls to provide a cost effective, direct and alternate mean of transportation of goods between Maldives and India.