Managing Director of State Trading Organisation (STO) Shimad Ibrahim has revealed the organisation's overarching goal of providing services to luxury and profitable vessels travelling the Maldives, in collaboration with Vitol Bunkers.
Speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the international bunkering services, Managing Director Shimad stated that economies were highly developed because of its visionary leaders, adding that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's biggest vision is to diversify the Maldivian economy. Bunkering services were launched in the Maldives, to achieve this objective.
While bunkering services were launched within six months, since STO and Vitol Bunkers signed the agreement, Shimad disclosed that diesel and low sulfur fuel will be provided. He highlighted the surge in demand for the services, since Vitol Bunkers started marketing the services. He further revealed the organisation's goal of providing services to luxury vessels in the route.
Recognising that the provision of offshore bunkering services was not a permanent solution, Shimad disclosed plans of reclaiming land, establishing quality fuel farms, and starting onshore bunkering services with a port equipped with modern facilities. He further stated that decisions have been made such that the financial assistance which will be provided by China next year, will be utilised for the Agriculture Economic Zone Project.