Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated there have been no interruptions to the cargo ferry service between the Maldives and India. MPL issued the statement in response to reports that the cargo ferry service had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ferry continues to travel once or twice to the Maldives each month, and that the ferry had loaded and unloaded a total of 309 20-foot containers in various parts of the country in the last three months, bringing in 2,600 freight tonnes of general cargo stated MPL.
Furthermore, MPL stated many Maldivian businesses have begun using the service since operations began in September 2020. MPL also stated the cargo ferry service has been lauded by businesses and that the service will continue to be improved and expanded.
The local agent for the cargo ferry service is the national shipping line, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), which was established last year as a subsidiary company of the State Trading Organisation (STO). The cargo ferry service was established to enable a more convenient and cheaper way to transport goods between the neighbouring countries.