Three foreign companies express interest to operate shipping line

Ministry of Transport and Communication has said today that three foreign companies have expressed interest to operate a shipping line, in answer to their call to pursue joint-venture with the government.

The Ministry called for an Expression of Interest for the project last March. Deadline for the EOI expired last Sunday.

Deputy Minister at the Transport Ministry Abdul Latheef Mohamed said that three companies, from Singapore, Sri Lanka and Europe, have expressed interest for the venture.

“We are working to allow the interested parties to submit their bids within the next month. Before that, we also have to decide on a system to award scores for the bidders. This will be carried out with consultation with relevant government authorities,” Latheef said.

He said that they have not decided on the percentage of share the government is willing to propose.

“The government will also determine the minimum amount of share to participate. The opportunity will also be granted to the parties who submit the proposals,” Latheef said.

Government recently sold the ships and ceased operations of their shipping company, Maldives National Shipping Limited (MNSL). The parliament has also passed a resolution to dissolve the MNSL.