Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has promised that the current government will launch the “iHavan” project.
The minister gave the assurance while responding to questions in the parliament on Tuesday, December 12.
The “iHavan” project aims to transform the Maldives as a key hub of international shipping, with global shipping lines making frequent docking at Ihavandhippolhu; the northern-most point in the Maldives.
The project was one of the largest economic development projects planned during the former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration. At the time, Saeed, who was the then Minister of Economic Development as well, oversaw the completion of the project’s masterplan.
Responding to questions on whether or not the current government aimed to commence the project, Saeed said that it was the new government’s decision to commence the initiative. He further noted preparations have been already made to establish bunkering services in the region, and the government is now moving towards establishing services in any area where international shipping lines pass through.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the largest consulting firms in the world, conducted a study in Ihavandhippolhu to ascertain if it was a suitable location for the project.
Detail research was conducted on the region by talking to shipbuilding companies, bunkering and docking service providers as well.