In a significant development for residents of Addu City in the Maldives, a new direct shipping route from India has been established to ease the import of perishable food items. A recent shipment of 150 tonnes of fresh fruits, vegetables, onions, garlic, and eggs arrived at Hithadhoo Port from Tuticorin Port. This route, operated by the Finesse Group based in Kerala, promises to streamline logistics and reduce costs associated with importing goods into the southern atolls.
Previously, perishable food items were transported in wooden ships, limited by seasonal sailing conditions. The introduction of steel ships now ensures uninterrupted supply, marking a crucial improvement in food accessibility for Addu residents. The initiative, facilitated by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), aims to transform the logistics landscape by offering more reliable and cost-effective transportation options.
Maldives Maritime Journal highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative, quoting MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim, who emphasized its benefits for local communities. By bypassing Male’ and directly serving Addu, the new route is expected to lower expenses and enhance the availability of fresh produce.
Enhanced security measures at Hithadhoo Port have further solidified this new shipping corridor, addressing concerns raised by Indian shipping companies.
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Looking ahead, this service is poised to expand into a potential bi-weekly schedule, further enhancing accessibility and reliability. The collaboration between MPL, Hithadhoo Regional Port, and Indian shipping entities underscores growing bilateral ties and mutual economic benefits between Maldives and India.
In other infrastructure news, Maldives’ Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has reported significant progress on the Thilamale Bridge project. The 6.7 km bridge, connecting multiple areas, has reached 40.47% completion with the completion of its first marine precast deck segment near Villimale’.
This ambitious project, costing over USD 454 million, signifies the strong bilateral cooperation between Maldives and India, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and development across the archipelago.
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