Milestone Achievement: First Indian Ship Delivers Perishable Food Items To Maldives Port

Indian Vessel Transports Perishable Foods to the Southernmost Port of Maldives

The first batch of 150 tons of perishable food from India arrived at the Hithadhoo Port in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. The Indian ship, carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, onions, garlic, and eggs, departed from Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu and reached Hithadhoo Port on the night of July 10th.

Media reports suggest that the initial shipment is expected to minimize the costs and challenges of importing goods to the southern atolls.

The ship's arrival also marks the beginning of a direct shipping route established by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), connecting Tuticorin Port directly to Hithadhoo Port.

In the past, perishable food supplies were delivered to Addu from Tuticorin using wooden ships that could only sail at certain times of the year. The arrival of steel ships now provides the Maldives with an uninterrupted year-round food supply.

This move will transform the logistics landscape of Addu City marked by the lowering costs and challenges of perishable goods import. Addu now has access to purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables.

MMJ expects the service to operate every two weeks.

This historic shipping service and other infrastructure developments are expected to improve connectivity and reduce costs in the southern atolls of the island nation, signaling the growing economic and logistical ties between India and the Maldives.

Overview of the Six Major Ports in the Maldives

The Republic of Maldives, a South Asian island nation located in the Indian Ocean with Male as its capital, is a small country spanning 90,000 square kilometers with a sparse population. The nation prides itself on being a renowned cruise destination, with numerous cruise terminals and cargo ports that bolster its maritime industry.

Male Commercial Harbour

As the primary shipment facility in the Maldives, MCH serves as a critical maritime gateway into the island nation. The port, located at the northwest end of the capital island, Male, handles about 500 vessels, 830,876 tons of cargo, and 20,250 TEU containers annually. It comprises an Inner Harbour frequented by pleasure crafts, fishing and coastal vessels and an Outer Harbor for large ships. The New Harbour Area lies northwest of Male. The northern pier is solely used by foreign cargo ships with an overall length of 150 meters and a draught of 10 meters. The average turnaround time for cargo ships at the port is 88 hours.

Regarding port equipment, there are 11 mobile cranes with varying capacities, 22 forklifts, three container reach stackers, three container barge handlers, and five trailers and four tractors. Pilotage is mandatory for international vessels weighing above 100 gross tonnes. Besides, ships are prohibited from releasing dirty ballast water and slop near the harbor.

Hulhumale International Terminal

The Hulhumale terminal became operational in 2013. It contains international and domestic terminal facilities owned and managed by the Port Authority of Maldives and highly-equipped facilities compliant with the ISPS standards. The terminal is essential in ensuring smooth and swift cargo transfers, preventing container and vessel congestion at Male's commercial harbor.

It can easily store up to 500 TEUs in an open storage area with two covered warehouses. The port serves as the primary hub for handling and keeping perishable goods, especially fruits and vegetables, as it has five reefer points.

Hithadhoo Regional Port

Located in Addu Atoll, the port began operations in 2009. It acts as the major distribution center of the southern region for containerized cargo and conventional cargo. Equipped with comprehensive port facilities, it handles commercial cargo and provides storage-related services to local businesses and other regional industries. All imports cleared through HPL receive a 30% customs duty reduction, encouraging cargo processing through Hithadhoo Regional Port. It drastically reduces the cost of cargo which passes through the port and enables regional businesses to ship their products closer to the market. Moreover, the port also offers up to ten working days of free storage for loyal customers to benefit and reduce their warehousing costs.

Kulhudhufushi Regional Port

The port, situated on Kulhudhufushi Island, began operations in 2005. It spans 11,350 square meters and has a 200-meter-long berth. It is the economic center of the northern region and serves as a maritime hub, managing national and inter-island trade and distribution activities. KPL is essential in supporting goods and merchant trade transportation from the central capital, Male, to the northern area. Plans are underway to develop the port for receiving cargo directly from India through the Cochin ferry route. It will offer direct access to the new markets in India for perishable goods and other consumer items, which would support the island communities and provide benefits to the industrial sector of Maldives.

Male North Harbour

The MNH, a local harbor owned by the city council of Malay, started its operations in 2011 by the Port Authority. The terminal primarily handles vessels transporting goods and passengers from the atolls. It can handle more than 35 ships at once and remain operational day and night. It also provides basic amenities at the most affordable rates, including a prayer room, bathrooms, seating areas, and guest restrooms.

The harbor has four commercial outlets where products are available wholesale and retail for guests. It also has two warehouses offering storage facilities and a small canteen area.

Male South-West Harbour

Known as T-jetty, MSWH is located at the southwestern end of Male. The port serves as a primary logistics and distribution center for cargo clearance from the commercial harbor of Male.

The terminal can accommodate large vessels and dredgers, serving as a permanent parking area for many refueling vehicles. It provides essential public services such as gas, water, and STO food supplies.

The port now offers all necessary amenities for residents requiring port services. These development projects include ready supplies of freshwater and electricity for vessels and waiting rooms. It also features security and safety measures necessary for protecting cargo ships. Moreover, it is one of the most important gateways for domestic goods, construction materials, and perishable goods, providing temporary storage facilities and rental handling equipment.