New Patrol Vessel Enhances Maldives Customs Operations

The official handing over of a sea patrol boat to the Maldives Customs Service by Japan is an important move in enhancing the strength of the country to deal with illegal maritime operations. The handover event occurred in Malé on 27 November 2025, with the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Her Excellency Mrs. Ishigami Rumiko, presiding over it.
It is part of a broader cooperation project that is subject to the Exchange of Notes that was signed in March 2024 on the Enhancement of Ability in Maritime Safety and Security. The project involves ¥260 million (approximately USD 1.9 million) to fund the patrol boat and ¥56 million (approximately USD 400,000) to finance equipments that assist in the operation of the patrol boat.
The project is aimed at enhancing the Maldives Customs Service by boosting their ability to perform maritime safety, security, and surveillance tasks to the vast ocean area of this country. The initiative helps the Maldives to move in the right direction by helping to meet its operational needs, which leads to the economic and social development of the country in general.
At the ceremony, the ambassador Ishigami was very confident that the vessel would improve the capacity of Customs to conduct effective and safe maritime services. She also confirmed that Japan is still determined to ensure that Maldives attains the goal of sustainable growth, good governance and resilience through further collaboration.
The Government of Japan is optimistic that the contribution would go a long way in enhancing the capacity of the Maldives Customs Service to deliver its mandate in the nation which would eventually contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the Maldivian people.