Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed plans to develop a shipping dock that can accommodate the largest vessels at Velana International Airport (VIA). MACL said the development of the dock will commence in March 2019, as part of the ongoing fuel farm development project.
Deputy Chief Officer Mohamed Niyaz said once the dock is completed, fuel can be easily transported and stored at VIA, adding the cost will be reduced. He further said a fire fighting system will be also installed in the dock area.
The development of the new fuel farm, would triple the current capacity of fuel storage at VIA. As part of the project, 3 storage tanks will be established in the fuel farm. A further 2 fuel tanks can be established with regard to the fuel demand and storage limits. Once the tanks are established, MACL will begin to provide fuel by a hydrant pipeline which will ease the process of fuelling aircraft at VIA.
Furthermore, the development of a new fire station is nearing completion. In this regard, MACL is currently arranging the necessary equipment at the station. MACL has exerted efforts to conclude the development of the fire station project by April 2019. The fuel farm and the fuel hydrant system is scheduled to be concluded by August 2019.