The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), in collaboration with Japanese marine engine manufacturer Yanmar, has introduced a custom-engineered Refrigerated Seawater (RSW) system designed for Maldivian vessels and regional maritime conditions.
The system was formally unveiled by Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, and was described by government officials as a cornerstone of the government’s broader strategy to revitalise the sector. Developed jointly by MTCC and Yanmar, the RSW system is the first to be tailored to the operational and environmental demands of the domestic fleet.
Officials have identified the technology as a direct response to two enduring challenges: the limited availability of ice, which compels fishermen to undertake frequent and costly trips, and the rising cost of fuel. By enabling onboard refrigeration, the system allows vessels to remain at sea for longer periods without returning to shore to replenish ice, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.
This operational shift is expected to yield tangible benefits for fishing communities. Government representatives note that the reduction in logistical burdens will likely lower overall operating costs while preserving the quality of the catch.
MTCC has underscored the system’s core function, rapid cooling and preservation of fish, as a mechanism to ensure fairer market pricing. The company anticipates that improved freshness and consistency will enhance the value of the catch, boosting incomes across the sector.
To support the financial demands of implementation, the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has secured the necessary foreign currency to facilitate a comprehensive rollout.. A targeted loan scheme has been introduced to assist vessel owners in adopting the saltwater-based RSW systems. The financing mechanism is designed to ease capital constraints and promote widespread uptake of the technology.
Initial adoption has already taken root in the southern atolls, where numerous vessels have completed installation. The government has signalled its intention to extend the programme nationwide, aiming for full integration across the country’s fishing fleet. Building on this momentum, President Muizzu recently announced an expanded loan initiative to support an additional 200 fishermen seeking to install RSW systems ahead of this year’s Fishermen’s Day.