The Maldives Shipping Company (MSS) has signed an agreement to purchase a container vessel to provide transshipment services to connect Addu City with global commercial harbours.
The container vessel called MSS Opal, is a 3.2-metre draft vessel with a length of 67 meters and a capacity of 105 containers. The vessel, which can also carry cement, boasts a deadweight capacity of 1,553 tonnes. The vessel will also be used to transport goods from global markets to Addu, with a stopover in Male' for transshipment.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Meerumaa building, Managing Director of MSS Mohamed Nazim announced that the transshipment service utilising the container vessel is scheduled to commence either by the conclusion of August or the beginning of September. He further elaborated that the initial stage of the service will focus on the route connecting Male' City and Addu. He also revealed that the subsequent phase will extend its cargo transportation to the harbor in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
MSS said the service was launched to address the high cost of transporting goods to Addu. When all the administrative arrangements are completed, the vessel will be available for booking to facilitate cargo transport from any global location to Addu through MSS. The vessel is slated to depart for Addu every ten days, making stops at Male', Hithadhoo in Addu, and Kooddoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
The acquisition of the MSS Opal marks the fifth vessel in the company's fleet since its inception in 2020.