The national shipping company, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), has launched a container shipping service between Male' and Addu, facilitating the direct delivery of goods from foreign ports to the southernmost atoll.
The "MSS Opal" ship used for the service docked at the Addu regional port on Sunday after its maiden voyage.
The vessel has a total capacity of 105 containers, including 20 reefer containers. It is also equipped with a crane for loading and unloading as well as special facilities to carry cement and sand.
The ship will transport goods to Addu City every 10 days on a Male'-Hithadhoo-Kooddoo-Male' route, according to MSS.
State Trading Organization (STO) managing director Abdulla Saeed said the service will solve difficulties in transporting cargo to Addu.
The ship will also assist with carrying staple foodstuff to Addu during bad weather in addition to the regular cargo service, he said.
MSS previously used a ship called "Bonthi" to transport goods between Male' and Addu.
The service was positively received by businesses but was discontinued as the ship was acquired with the assistance of the Indian government and the contract period expired.
