Fuel Supply Maldives Private Limited (FSM) has stated that efforts are underway to release the two fuel barges that were detained in Eritrea.
The two barges detained in Eritrea are among four fuel barges commissioned by FSM to an Egyptian company in 2019. Eritrea detained the two barges for docking at the country without proper permits on April 26.
Managing Director at FSM Mohamed Gasam stated that the two barges docked in Eritrea due to bad weather, and the captains had communicated with the ports in Eritrea about docking there.
In addition, Gasam said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working on having the barges released back to the Maldives. He said the High Commission of the Maldives in India is in talks with the Embassy of Eritrea in India to release the barges as Eritrea has limited relations with the Maldives.
Furthermore, Gasam also said that the two barges were carrying four Maldivians and four Egyptian crew members. He said that the passengers in both barges are in good health and will return to Maldives within 12 days once they get the permits to leave. He added that each barge has a fuel capacity of 250,000 litres.