First Vessel for New Bunkering Service Arrives in the Maldives

The vessel brought by the State Trading Organization (STO) to be used in the bunkering service that the government is preparing to launch has arrived in the Maldives.

This massive vessel, capable of carrying 4,000 metric tons of oil, docked in Kulhudhuffushi today. STO stated that work is currently underway to bring an additional vessel to the Maldives on the 15th of this month.

Through this offshore service, which is to be provided jointly by STO and MPL, oil will be supplied to boats at sea even in the absence of a harbour. This service will commence near the Hoarafushi reef.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed previously stated that preparations are underway to launch the bunkering service on the 12th of this month. As preparations are being made to start the bunkering service in the northernmost part of the Maldives, this region is an area where a large number of cargo ships and other vessels travel. Therefore, it is estimated that the bunkering service will bring significant economic growth.

To carry out the bunkering service, STO signed an agreement with the Vitol Group, a leading international energy trading company, on March 13.