Japan has formally transferred an 82-foot patrol vessel to the Maldives Customs Service, a strategic gift intended to strengthen surveillance and management across the nation’s international ports. Provided under the Japanese government’s Economic Cooperation Grant Act, the vessel reflects Tokyo’s commitment to maritime security and its deepening partnership with Malé.
The handover ceremony was held on 27 November at the Customs Building in the capital, attended by senior officials and diplomats. Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, presided as guest of honour and accepted the vessel on behalf of the Maldivian government. Ishigami Rumiko, Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, formally presented the vessel during the proceedings.
Operational responsibility will be shared between the Maldives Customs Service and the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, requiring close coordination between the two agencies. Training programmes conducted in both Japan and the Maldives prepared 23 Customs officers for deployment, ensuring operational readiness.
Following the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan, Ambassador Rumiko, and senior officials, including Commissioner General Fathimath Dhiyana, visited the Malé Commercial Harbour, where the vessel is docked. The delegation carried out a detailed inspection of the vessel.