Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced cargo ferry services are set to be launched between Kulhudhuffushi City and Cochin, India.
The transport ministry revealed final discussions are underway to establish cargo ferry services between Kulhudhuffushi and Cochin. The ministry revealed discussions on the latest preparations for the service was held on September 8 between Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula and the two parliamentarians representing the constituencies of Kulhudhuffushi.
Revealing details of the decisions made so far, the transport ministry said the first cargo ferry will be operated later this month. The ministry said two ferries will be operated every month between Kulhudhuffushi and Cochin during the early stages of the service, although this could increase in the future.
Noting the ferries used for cargo operations are large ferries, the transport ministry revealed the ferries cannot enter the Kulhudhuffushi harbour. The ministry said loading and unloading will be carried out using tug boats and barges.
The local agent for the Kulhudhuffushi-Cochin cargo ferry service is the recently established national shipping line, Maldives State Shipping (MSS). The government has stated the introduction of cargo ferries between Kulhudhuffushi and Cochin will bring many commercial benefits to the northern atolls and help to introduce Maldivian products to the Indian and international market.