State Trading Organisation (STO) has celebrated the maiden voyage of its new oil tanker, "MT Alimas". The oil tanker purchased from Germany has a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes and cost the company USD 14.7 million. Previously, STO operated a 7,000 tonne oil tanker.
Speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate its maiden voyage, Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed stated the main priority of the government is to make Maldives an economically stable country. Noting the importance of STO having full rights of oil imports to Maldives, Economic Minister Saeed said that one main pledge of the government is to set affordable oil rates. "MT Alimas" will pave the way to reduce oil prices in Maldives, cited the Minister.
During the ceremony, Managing Director of STO Ahmed Shaheer expressed that the new oil tanker will ensure the oil security of the country.
The oil tanker purchased by STO is also the largest oil tanker in operation in the South Asian region.