Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated it aims to begin the high-speed ferry services under the National Public Ferry Network by October.
MTCC has been contracted with Phase 1 of the National Public Ferry Network, which aims to establish a convenient and efficient transport system to all administrative islands of the Maldives. Under Phase 1, high speed ferry services will be launched in Zone 1, which includes Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atoll.
Speaking to PSM News, CEO of MTCC Adam Azim said the company has been holding discussions with island councils to identify the areas to develop ferry terminals and to dock ferries. Azim said the aim is to allocate the required areas by the end of this week, in order to begin work on the sites simultaneously. He said MTCC targets to begin the services by October this year.
Speaking further, Azim said the company is currently holding discussions with various boat builders in the Maldives, as the company currently does not have the capacity to build the vessels for the ferry service. Noting 17 speedboats will be built within 8 months, Azim said the ferries will be designed with consideration to elderly people, pregnant women and disabled people. He expressed confidence the ferries will be able to provide a high-quality service for passengers.
The proposed ferry 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 (cargo ferry) 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.