The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced that the Henveiru Ferry Terminal and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal will be opened to public ferry operators, following a directive by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The harbours of Male’ City are the busiest in the country with hundreds of vessels docking and departing daily. While space constraints are the biggest challenge faced in loading and unloading goods, and boarding and disembarking from vessels, the issue has been a concern for ferry and launch operators. The harbours are specially busy during the school holidays and other significant holidays where travel to the atolls increase significantly. Due to limited docking space, vessels are often moored behind one another, making boarding and disembarking difficult, specially for the elderly and people with disabilities. The practice also creates safety risks.
In response to these concerns, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has requested the MTCC to open the Henveiru and Hulhumale Ferry Terminals to public ferry operators. The company has asked those interested in using the space to express their interest via email before 14:00 on 10 March. MTCC may be contacted for further information.
The opening of the two terminals for public use, which have previously been limited to MTCC use only, is expected to ease congestion at Male’ harbours and improve safety and accessibility for passengers. It is also expected to reduce traffic in the surrounding lagoon.