The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has expressed concern as the difficulties faced in refueling at the Hulhumale Yellowfin Tuna Jetty remain unresolved.
In a post on X expressing their concern, BKMU called for arrangements to provide regular services instead of just doing something for the sake of it for the fishermen. The union stated that when Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) bowsers refuel the vessels, there is more downtime than service time, causing significant difficulties for the yellowfin tuna vessels in departing for fishing.
A senior official of BKMU told "Keyolha" news that while vessels need to be refueled every day, Fuel Supply uses only one bowser for refueling, and once the bowser runs out of fuel, a lot of time is lost without being able to refuel that day.
"The bowser runs out of fuel after refueling two or three vessels. Then there is no way to get fuel. Therefore, as a solution is needed for this, the concern has also been shared in the meeting held with the Fisheries Minister," said the skipper who provided information on behalf of BKMU.
Since the subsidized fuel provided by the government to fishing vessels is only available in the Male area from the FSM shed in Hulhumale, a large number of vessels come to the Hulhumale Yellowfin Tuna Jetty every day to buy diesel from there. The vessels request that arrangements be made to allow vessels to approach the jetty near the FSM shed in Hulhumale to refuel during times when the bowser cannot provide fuel.
