Malé, Maldives – The first high-speed ferry for the Integrated National Public Ferry Network has been launched today.
Phase 1 of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) by Planning Ministry on 1 February 2021, with the objective to implement Phase 1 in the northernmost regions of the Maldives, which includes Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, and Shaviyani atolls in September 2021.
With the launch of the first high-speed ferry, MTCC assures that the first phase of the project will be complete by end of this month as scheduled connecting 41 islands of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, and Shaviyani atolls.
The CEO of MTCC Adam Azim thanked the MTCC team for the hard work towards fulfilling a pledge by the President.
The vessel launched today carries 50 passengers and 4 crew members with allocated spaces for two wheelchairs and stretchers. A total of 17 high-speed ferries are to connect the entire Maldives through the network.
The President’s Office states that the ferry network is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, convenient and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands of the country. In line with the Decentralisation Act, it aims to facilitate inclusive regional development by connecting people and services, accelerate social and economic growth, improve efficiency in the delivery of public services and improve mobility and accessibility for all citizens in all areas of the nation.
The office further elaborates that 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 (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.
