CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Adam Azim has stated ferry terminals will be built in all inhabited islands by 2023. He made the remarks in regards to the Integrated National Public Ferry Network, which aims to establish a convenient and efficient transport system in 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. MTCC is currently working to establish ferry terminals in Zone 1, which consists of all the 41 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. Gulf Craft Maldives has been contracted to manufacture 17 ferries for Zone 1, and MTCC has conducted test trials of the first vessel of the ferry network.
CEO Azim said the ferries currently in service travel at a speed of 10 knots but the new vessels will be able to travel at 30-50 knots. He also said most islands currently do not have adequately sheltered ferry terminals and that MTCC will solve this issue by establishing terminals in all inhabited islands by the end of next year, in accordance with the recommendations from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. MTCC has stated the ferries to be used for the high-speed ferry network will be air-conditioned and have a capacity of 40-50 passengers, with each passenger being able to carry 20 kilograms of cargo.
The state-owned company is also working to expand its bus services in the southern atolls and improve bus services in the Greater Male' Region.