Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated all container ships which had been docked at Male' City at the beginning of the lockdown have been fully cleared.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), CEO of MPL Shahid Ali said the containers from the ships which had been docked at the beginning of the lockdown on April 15 have been fully cleared, while two more container ships have since arrived. Shahid said the items cleared from the containers mainly include food, medical supplies, and other essential items. He added discussions are ongoing with agents to organise a more convenient schedule for clearing the containers, as MPL is currently working with limited staff due to the lockdown.
Speaking at the press conference, Deputy CEO of MPL Ibrahim Abdulla said efforts are underway to arrange a system where permits to use in the North Harbour and T-Jetty can be sought online. Noting permits are currently issued through a desk established at the ports which operate at certain hours, the deputy CEO said establishing an electronic permit system would enable permits to be issued continuously across 24 hours.
MPL stated special measures are in place at the ports amid the lockdown, in order to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. As such, MPL stated there are restrictions in allowing boats and vessels to enter the ports, while the crew of the vessels coming in from other islands is not allowed to disembark the vessels and enter Male'.
Earlier, MPL had revealed one of its staff had tested positive for COVID-19. The employee who tested positive for the disease was among the staff who were asked to stay home due to the lockdown. The employee last reported to work two weeks ago and had tested positive for COVID-19 about 5 days ago.
Due to the pandemic, over 160 staff of MPL have been locked down at the ports while the administrative staff is working from home.