The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced that Maldivian companies will soon have the opportunity to build additional ferries for the high-speed ferry services under the Raajje Transport Link (RTL). Previously, foreign companies were responsible for building the ferries used in the RTL service.
Speaking to PSM News, Assistant General Manager of MTCC Zaid Amjad said that while the current RTL vessels were constructed by foreign companies, future ferry construction opportunities will be available to Maldivian companies. He said that the construction of 55 new ferries will begin soon. He highlighted that the construction of terminals is a collaborative effort with the government. Zaid also said that MTCC is focusing on establishing these facilities in Zones 5, 6, and 2.
RTL currently serves 81 islands across nine atolls, utilizing 26 ferries. The most recent service launch was in Noonu Atoll. The government plans to expand the service to Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll by the end of the year.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ibrahim Yasir said that the RTL service will be launched for islands in Zone 4 next year, with the goal of extending the service to all islands by the end of the year. He also said that discussions are ongoing with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and that their team is already in the Maldives collecting necessary data to support the project.
The RTL ferry service, which operates daily, has become a reliable mode of transportation for Maldivian residents, particularly for medical trips to hospitals. The service features air-conditioned, high-speed ferries with a capacity of 50 seats.