Discussions have been held regarding seeking the support of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to install Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems in fishing vessels.
These discussions took place today during a meeting held between Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam and the Managing Director of MTCC, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retired) Ahmed Saudhee. Senior officials from the Fisheries Ministry and MTCC participated in this meeting.
The Fisheries Ministry stated that during the meeting, the two officials discussed areas where MTCC's support is needed to install saltwater cooling systems or RSW systems in fishing vessels.
During this meeting, Minister Ahmed Shiyam stated that it is important for MTCC to register as a vendor for the RSW project. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring fishermen have access to MTCC's after-sales service and spare parts. The Minister stated that this would provide a quick solution to issues faced by the RSW systems on the vessels.
Furthermore, the Minister noted that MTCC's assistance is greatly needed in the project to develop the new generation of vessels. The Minister also stated that he wants to complete the work on the GDh. Thinadhoo cold storage as soon as possible and provide services to fishermen.
Earlier this month, the Fisheries Ministry stated that a special loan scheme to install RSW systems on vessels to maintain fish quality will be introduced very soon. It was stated that this loan scheme is a loan opened through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC), and it has been decided to provide this loan to fishermen on very lenient terms.
