Maldives Transport Authority has introduced a new regulation on off shore shipping and off port limit services, introducing the services to foreign vessels seeking to anchor in Maldivian waters.
Published on the 24th of this month, the regulation will generate new revenue for the Maldives, the Authority said.
They said that the regulation would allow ships to anchor in designated off port areas and to gain services such as bunkering, transfer for goods between vessels, anchorage for repair and maintenance, and the exchange of crew, surveyors and seamen.
The regulation will also allow large vessels to anchor outside the port limit and receive services from the designated areas; off Haa Alif Uligamu and Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi in the north of the country, off the capital Kaafu Male’ in the central area, and off Seenu Gan in the South of Maldives.
The ships seeking to access these area have contact through their local agents to notify Maldivian authorities 48 hours in advance, and share if information on dangerous cargo and weapons. The regulation also makes it mandatory for the vessel to retain the services of a local agent if they are seeking off port limit and off shore services in the Maldives.