Seven private speedboat operators have shown interest in utilising the Henveyru and Hulhumalé ferry terminals for their services, according to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). This announcement follows MTCC's call for expressions of interest, made at the behest of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in a bid to enhance transportation services for those travelling between the outer islands and the capital, Malé.
According to MTCC, the interested speedboat operators plan to cover routes to Fenfushi, Maamigili, and Dhidhdhoo in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll; Maafushi, Guraidhoo, Gulhi, Gaafaru, and Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll; and Thulhaadhoo, Hithaadhoo, Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo in Baa Atoll.
Once operational, the seven speedboat operators will be able to utilise the Henveyru and Hulhumalé ferry terminals, which have the capacity to accommodate up to 15 speedboats daily and cater to approximately 2,000 passengers, MTCC said. The Henveyru terminal will facilitate the simultaneous berthing of five speedboats, while the Hulhumalé terminal will accommodate three, MTCC added.
Each speedboat will be allotted 30 minutes for passenger boarding and disembarkation. MTCC has said that dedicated waiting areas, complete with restroom facilities and drinking water, will be provided for passengers at both terminals. MTCC also reaffirmed its commitment to continually improving services in response to passenger feedback.
The harbours and jetties in Malé face significant space constraints, being heavily trafficked by hundreds of vessels daily. This poses a considerable challenge for speedboat operators navigating between Malé and the outer islands.