Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim has expressed optimism in a market security for the bunkering services to be launched in the northern region of the Maldives. MPL has revealed that it has held meetings and comprehensive discussions with experts in the maritime industry, under the preparation efforts to launch international bunkering services. These discussions have boosted MPL's confidence in the project being a notable success.
Speaking to PSM News, CEO Wajeeh highlighted that the Maldives has a great opportunity to provide and expand bunkering services, due to its strategic location. The CEO noted that requests have already been made to commence bunkering services expeditiously. Underscoring the need to promote bunkering services in global markets to promote the services, Wajeeh revealed that the State Trading Organisation (STO), Vitol Bunkers and MPL have been exerting several efforts to promote the services.
During the meetings held, experts have noted that bunkering services was a field with diverse opportunities in the Maldives. As such, the former Managing Director of STO Mohamed Saeed emphasised the benefits of introducing bunkering services, at the time when major shipping routes are being changed due to the conflicts occurring in the Red Sea. He also affirmed that the services would play a significant role in injecting foreign currency into the Maldives. Additionally, experts are also awaiting the day for the Maldives to launch Green Bunkering Services, to ensure the provision of bunkering services in an eco-friendly manner.