Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and State Trading Organization (STO) signed an agreement on Thursday about the provision of bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhu.
MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim signed the MoU on behalf of the company at a ceremony held at the company's head office. STO MD Shimad Ibrahim signed on behalf of the company.
The agreement comes at a time when preparations are underway to launch bunkering services in the north of the Maldives. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed earlier announced that the services would be launched on August 22. But the date has been postponed for several times.
Under the MoU signed between MPL and STO, the two companies agreed to work together to provide the services in the most convenient manner. MPL stated that the two companies will work together to market the service.
"Along with international bunkering services in the north, additional maritime services are also planned to be launched. STO will provide offshore bunkering services. MPL will provide pilotage and other maritime services," MPL said.
MPL CEO Wajeeh said the northern region of Maldives is an important route in international maritime and the provision of bunkering and maritime services in the north would be of great benefit to the country.
"The records of the Uligan island council show that six or eight cargo boats contact every month to get services related to water. This is without any kind of marketing. So if we can provide oil and water in the area, a profitable business will be established," he said.
