Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has stated the establishment of the national public ferry network will bring significant economic progress to the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony held to sign the agreement for the establishment of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network, Transport Minister Nahula expressed the project would revolutionize the economy and transport sector of the Maldives. The minister said the network would create an array of business opportunities in the atolls, while also alleviating the difficulties faced by residents of the atolls in seeking healthcare services. She added contracting the project to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) also ensures that the service will be provided without interruption.
Speaking at the ceremony, CEO of MTCC Adam Azim said the establishment of the public ferry network finally fulfills the main purpose of creating a state-owned company for transport services. He said MTCC will work to ensure the ferry network is trustworthy and reliable for the public.
The proposed network classifies six central regions, as identified in the National Spatial Plan (2020-2040), and would provide two separate networks for passenger transit and movement of goods and services within and in between the regions—linking maritime transport with land and air transport. The ferry network would connect islands within the areas and between areas via three types of links; commute links, non-commute links and highway links.