Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated that an additional 65 ferries will be manufactured for the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said that the RTL service has been fully established in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network and that MTCC is now preparing to further expand the high-speed ferry service. He said that a contract will soon be signed to manufacture 65 ferries.
Additionally, CEO Azim noted the challenges MTCC had faced in the beginning, as the RTL service was a completely new service for the Maldives. He said that the expansion of the service will be smoother as the state-owned company now has the experience and training. He expressed confidence that more islands will be connected to the service soon.
MTCC contracted UAE-based Gulf Craft to manufacture 17 high-speed ferries for Zone 1, which consists of 30 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. The high-speed ferries are air-conditioned with toilet facilities and have dedicated areas for stretchers and wheelchairs. The vessels have a capacity of 50 passengers and can travel at 30-50 knots, which is three times faster than the previously used ferries.