Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has contracted UAE-based Gulf Craft to manufacture vessels for the Integrated National Public Ferry Network.
The contract was signed by CEO of MTCC Adam Azim and Chairman of Gulf Craft Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali. Under the contract, Gulf Craft will be manufacturing 17 ferries for Zone 1 allocated under the National Spatial Plan.
The National Public Ferry Network aims to establish a convenient and an efficient transport system to all administrative islands of the Maldives. The government contracted MTCC to establish the ferry services, which will be available in six zones, as identified in the National Spatial Plan. The services will first be established in Zone 1, which consists of all the 40 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll.
At the contract signing ceremony, CEO Adam Azim said the ferries are required to be accessible for stretchers and people with disabilities, and the ferry services will provide special packages for passengers travelling in emergency situations. He said the ferries will make two trips to nearby islands per day and MTCC plans to hire 80 employees for the services.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Gulf Craft Mohammed Al Shaali said Gulf Craft aims to manufacture high-quality, easy-to-use, and long-lasting ferries.