The Government of Maldives has assured the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number 455910000 associated with the vessel named "Xin Yuan 18" was never registered in the country.
MMSI is an internationally recognised 9-digit identification number which is used to identify maritime communication and vessels. While MMSI range for the Maldives is 455XXXXXX, the Government of Maldives noted there is no record of the MMSI number 455910000 ever being registered in the Maldives.
The Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) administers the registration of all communication equipment on maritime vessels, as well as the issuance of all call signs and numbers. CAM only issues MMSI numbers to vessels registered at the Maldives Transport Authority. In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Chief Executive of CAM Ilyas Mohamed affirmed there are no records of MMSI number 455910000 ever registered in the Maldives. Relevant authorities are now investigating the use of a number with the MMSI range for Maldives, according to Ilyas.
Maldives Transport Authority also denied claims of Maldives carrying out illegal activities jointly with an oil tanker of North Korea. In a statement the Transport Authority assured that the vessel claimed to be "Xin Yuan 18" is not a vessel registered in the Maldives. There is no reason for the vessel to use the Maldivian flag, the Authority stated with deep concern. Noting that Maldives does not register foreign vessels, the Authority urged media agencies to refrain from spreading false news. Adding that it is investigating the issue as a serious crime, the Ministry of Defence and National Security revealed that Maldivian authorities do not allow flags of convenience to foreign owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters.
Ministry of Defence and National Security also noted that "Xin Yuan 18" is not a vessel registered in Maldives and added that Maldives will not allow such actions to undermine the security of the country. Furthermore, Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the Government is currently investigating the matter and noted concerns related to suspected illegal ship-to-ship transfer of goods by North Korean-flagged tanker Chon Ma San and an alleged Maldivian-flagged tanker by the name of "Xin Yuan 18". The Government of Maldives said it gives high priority to the implementation of all resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, including the Resolutions North Korea.