An Auspicious Occasion, MTCC Celebrates 40th Anniversary
The first ever and the longest serving public company in the Maldives, Maldives Transport & Contracting Company (MTCC), on Friday, marked their 40th Anniversary. Incorporated on 18th December 1980, MTCC has presently positioned themselves as leading marine and land transport provider and civil and marine constructor in the country.
Timeline & Milestones of MTCC
MTCC was incorporated at crucial time in the country’s journey of development. Consequently, they have played a significant role in the development of economic and social infrastructure of Maldives, since inception.
The company began business operations with rental of speedboats, tugs & barges. On the 6th year of operations, in 1986, they ventured into vehicle rental business and also building construction via two government projects. Following year, they proudly introduced Yanmar products to the Maldivian market in addition to establishing two regional Yanmar Service Centers. With the business beginning boom steadily, in 1988, construction of MTCC Corporate Head Quarters has commenced.
In the 90s, the company signed an exclusive Castrol dealership agreement with Castrol Singapore and opened the first Yanmar sales showroom in Maldives. Additionally, Castrol Lubricants was officially launched in the Maldives whereas Castrol Automotive products were introduced to the Maldivian market. They also bravely ventured into dredging and reclamation works, sheet piling works and started construction of small steel vessels.
With the beginning of a new millennium, MTCC slid into public ferry services by the commencement of Male’-Villingili ferry services. The service was eventually expanded to Male’-Thilafushi ferry services in 2004 and Male’-Hulhumale’ ferry services in 2005 along with the establishment of a ferry terminal in Hulhumale’. The same year, they also ventured into heavy cargo logistics with the acquisition of a 3500-ton barge with supporting tug.
In 2006, the company established a concerted testing lab. They also inaugurated its ‘Integrated Transport Networks’ with a bold ambition of linking the entire Maldives with a well-organized transport network. During the following year, bus series were launched as part of the same project.
In addition to this. MTCC introduced Suzuki Outboard Motor Engines to the Maldives market, and received Special Award at Suzuki Distributors Meetings for achieving sales targets for 2007.
In 2009, bus services were commenced in Hulhumale’. Their ferry services portfolio was also extended with the addition of the North Central Province ferry service.
In the span of the last decade, a high-speed transport service between Male’ and both the airport and Hulhumale’ was launched. The ferry series portfolio was one again expanded with addition of Gulhifalhu ferry services and linked the islands in Zone 1 (Atolls Ha, Hdh, Sh), Zone 2 (Atolls N,R,B), Zone 3 (Atolls K, AA, ADh, V), Zone 5(Atolls Th, L) and Zone 6 (Atolls Ga, Gdh) through an integrated transport network.
In 2013, MTCC ventured into electrification works as well. During the next year, they became a second level distributorship of Caterpillar Heavy Equipment.
To cater the growing demands of passengers, both their ferry capacities and bus capacities were majorly improved through acquiring additional vessels and buses. Shuttle bus service between the airport and Hulhumale’ was also launched and Premium Ferry Link Services commenced between Male' and Hulhumale'.
During 2017, MTCC’s trailing suction hopper dredger ‘Mahaa Jarrafu’ arrived in the Maldives. In 2018, MTCC was contracted to redevelop Artificial Beach of Male’ with a modern and functional concept. An apprenticeship program was also launched in the same year for interested secondary school graduates to adhere skills required for jobs at MTCC by providing learning opportunities to fill in the skill gaps within the employment market. In 2019, the company was mainly involved in construction projects such as harbor projects, reclamation projects and airport construction projects.
This year, has been the most successful year for the company in its entire history despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. MTCC earned MVR 140 million in profit before tax within the first three quarters of 2020. One of their main highlight for this year is the successful completion of the Hoarafushi Airport Project.
40
Even though the pandemic has put limitations to the amount of celebratory activities, MTCC is determined not to let it pass by unnoticed. In this regard, a special TV Program was broadcasted under the name ‘Kaamiyaabu 40’ dedication for the occasion, which was joint by the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. At the event, the President inaugurated a special book commemorating the 40th anniversary of MTCC. A song was also released by the company, telling the story of their services to the nation featuring their staffs and worksites.
No celebration is complete without a cake. In this regard, cupcakes were distributed to their customers at MTCC ferry terminals.
Their Corporate Head Quarters has also been specially decorated in the marking the anniversary.
Photos: MTCC