The Government of Japan has provided advanced equipment worth USD 7.6 million to strengthen maritime humanitarian operations in the Maldives. The handover ceremony took place today, where Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Her Excellency Takeuchi Midori, presented the equipment to the Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohamed Ghassaan Maumoon.
The donation includes a range of specialised tools and systems aimed at boosting the operational capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard. Key equipment provided includes maritime communication systems, professional diving gear, and search-and-rescue tools.
Among the communication systems handed over were Inmarsat units, GMDSS consoles, marine infrared cameras, TETRA communication devices, and base stations, which will significantly enhance communication coverage and operational coordination across the Maldives. The professional diving gear comprises diving cylinders, buoyancy control devices, regulators, and other essential tools for search-and-rescue missions.
Additional search-and-rescue equipment, such as high-pressure air compressors, nitrox-producing systems, portable recompression chambers, LED strobe lights, and gas analysers, will further support advanced maritime rescue operations. The donation also included various supporting tools and storage systems to assist in logistics.
The equipment was delivered as part of the Economic and Social Development Programme, formalised through an Exchange of Notes signed between Japan and the Maldives on 22 November 2020. The initiative, valued at 800 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 7.6 million or MVR 117 million), underscores Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the Maldives’ maritime security and humanitarian efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, officials highlighted that the advanced equipment will improve the Coast Guard’s capacity to coordinate and conduct operations more effectively across the geographically dispersed islands of the Maldives.
The Government of Japan expressed confidence that this contribution will further strengthen the strategic bilateral relationship between the two nations. Japan has been a longstanding partner of the Maldives, providing critical assistance in areas such as disaster response, infrastructure, and maritime safety.
This initiative marks another step in enhancing the Maldives’ capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and ensuring the safety and security of its waters.
