Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), has announced that India will commence the permanent delivery of perishable goods to Addu City starting in July. This initiative marks a significant development in the logistics and supply chain for Addu City residents.
In a social media post, Wajeeh detailed that the new service is a collaboration between MPL and Hithadhoo Port Limited. Scheduled to launch on 1 July, the service will be operated by the Indian-based Finesse Group, the largest importer of fruits and vegetables in the Maldives. This year-round service promises to deliver shipments every 10 to 15 days without interruption.
Previously, MPL provided this service on specific days, with the rest of the year’s goods being imported from Male’ City. Typical cargo included essential items such as eggs, onions, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits. The newly introduced vessels will also have the capacity to transport other food items and general cargo from India to Addu residents.
In addition to this permanent service, Maldives State Shipping (MSS) will continue its operations, transporting perishable goods between Addu and Male’. MSS facilitates a steady supply chain by bringing goods from abroad to Male’ and subsequently transporting them to Addu, ensuring residents have access to essential items.
This new arrangement is set to enhance the availability and consistency of fresh produce and other perishable goods in Addu City, addressing previous logistical challenges and improving the overall supply chain efficiency for the region.
