International bunkering services commences officially, for the first time ever, in the Maldives on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Bunkering is poised as a major economic industry for the Maldives, that will reportedly increase the state’s earnings by USD 400 million annually, and create tens of thousands of new job opportunities.
The new initiative is a key vision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as well.
The bunkering services, at Ihavandhippolhu – the northern-most tip of the Maldives – was officially launched by upper-north MPs. The opening ceremony was attended by State Trading Organization (STO) Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh, and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
The 8-degree channel – lying north of the Maldives borders – observes over 300 international vessel trips every month. Maldives government prioritized launching bunkering services to cater to these vessels to diversify the country’s economy and enter into the competition that is currently enjoyed by India and Sri Lanka in the region.
STO will be handling general bunkering and other services while Swiss-based Vitol – the world’s largest independent energy trader – had earlier been signed on to establish bunkering services at the facility. MPL will offer offshore bunkering support. Besides this, other services at the facility include:
- Crew change
- Pilotage services
- Food and water facilities
- Diesel and lubricants
- Yacht docking
- Maintenance and repairs
- Underwater services and tugging
- Crisis control and assistance during incidents
- Waste disposal from vessels
STO has also established a 24-hour call center with the aim of attracting customers.
At the initial stage, bunkering services will be provided through two vessels – a 3,258-ton vessel and a 3,929-ton vessel.