Two members from Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) management have decided to accompany an official from the foreign ministry on a trip to Eritrea to negotiate over the boats held in the eastern African country since late April.
The two FSM oil barges built in Egypt departed for the Maldives but entered Eritrean waters due to bad weather on April 26. There are two Maldivians and four Egyptians on the boats.
A third barge, belonging to Petroleum Link Private Limited, is also being held there.
FSM managing director Mohamed Gasam told Adhadhu that two members of the management will accompany an official from the foreign ministry on a trip to the eastern African country.
He said arrangements were ongoing but the date for the trip has not been finalized. Work is ongoing to confirm the visa and the team will negotiate with the government, he added.
“Our two boats have six crew members. That includes two Maldivians. We are closely monitoring their situation.”
Eritrean authorities accuse the boats of docking in the country without permission. But Gasam said they entered the country during an emergency.
“The crew tried to contact the Eritrean authorities but were unable to connect. They also faced issues with the boats’ auto system,” he stated.
FSM fuel barge made in Egypt.
The foreign ministry has been unable to go into direct negotiations with the Eritrean government so all attempts are made through diplomatic channels from embassies of other countries.
Maldives and Eritrea established diplomatic ties in 2021.
The FSM boats that are stuck in Eritrea were built in Egypt. They were designed like a barge with a capacity of 250,000 liters.
FSM also brought two boats from Egypt to the Maldives last year. In 2019, FSM signed an agreement with an Egyptian company to manufacture boats.
