Pilot boat, tug arrives in Maldives for bunkering service

A tug and pilot boat have arrived in the Maldives and will be commissioned into the operation of the international bunkering service.

Both vessels berthed at Kulhudhuffushi City port and received a water salute.

While the government is gearing to launch bunkering services in the northern Maldives, it has also announced seeking an interested party to develop a yacht marina in Haa Alifu atoll Ihavandhoo.

The state expects bunkering services to officially begin in August.

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed earlier said the country's economy will get a significant boost once bunkering services commence.

He previously said that between 300 and 450 international commercial vessels travel across the northern Maldives channel every year. Saeed said providing bunkering services to even one percent of the vessels that traveled the channel would increase the Maldives GDP to USD 400 million in the first year alone.

Saeed also said two tankers have already been brought to the Maldives in the last six months that would be utilized in the services. He added that the ministry was working with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) to update the geographical charts of the region as well.

The Economic Minister also noted bunkering services would bring an end to the Maldives' primary reliance on the tourism sector.

On March 13, this year, the State Trading Organization (STO) signed with Vitol Group to launch bunkering services in Ihanvandhippolhu.