First Indian Ship Delivers Perishable Food Items To Maldives’ Southernmost Port

Cargo ship — Image for representation purposes only

The first shipment of 150 tons of perishable food items from India arrived at Hithadhoo Port in Addu, the Maldives’ southernmost atoll.

According to media sources, the initial shipment is expected to minimize the cost and challenges of importing commodities into the southern atolls.

The cargo ship, loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, onions, garlic, and eggs, departed from Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu and arrived at Hithadhoo Port late Wednesday night (July 10, 2024).

The vessel’s arrival also marked the commencement of a direct shipping route established by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), which connects Tuticorin Port directly to Hithadhoo Port.

Historically, perishable food supplies were delivered to Addu from Tuticorin using wooden ships that could only sail at certain times of the year.

According to the Atoll Times news portal, the arrival of steel ships now provides a year-round, uninterrupted supply of food for the Maldives.

Finesse Group, based in Kerala, operates the shipping service and is the Maldives’ major supplier of fruits and vegetables.

Another news portal, Truth MV, said, emphasizing the development’s importance to Addu locals, that the event marks a beginning in the collaboration between Indian shipping companies, MPL, and Hithadhoo Regional Port.

This initiative is set to transform the logistics landscape for Addu City,” claimed the Maldives Maritime Journal (MMJ), stating that it will significantly lower the costs and challenges of importing perishable commodities.

MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim highlighted the benefits, saying that shipping directly to Addu would save money instead of shipping goods to Male.

Addu can now purchase fresh fruits and veggies.

Enhanced security measures at Hithadhoo Port have also been undertaken to address concerns raised by Indian maritime companies, permitting the establishment of this new route.

MMJ expects the service to become a bi-weekly operation.

Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed, Maldives’ Minister of State for the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, revealed that the Thilamale Bridge project has reached 40.47% completion.

He announced on social media that the first part of the bridge’s marine precast deck near Villimale has been completed.

The Thilamale Bridge project, which spans 6.7 kilometres and connects four locations, costs more than USD 454 million and demonstrates the Maldives’ strong bilateral connections with India.

According to state-run PSM media, the deal, which was signed during the previous administration, is progressing gradually.

This historic shipping service and other infrastructure developments emphasize India and the Maldives’ growing economic and logistical ties, promising improved connectivity and reduced costs for the island nation’s southern atolls.

Reference: PTI

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