Bunkering Services Delayed Again; Now Eying September Launch

The launch of bunkering services at Haa Alifu Atoll, initially scheduled for 22 August, has been postponed to September, marking the fourth delay. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed had committed to the 22 August date during the Maldives-Szechuan Trade and Investment Cooperation Conference on 6 August. Delays are due to the lack of two key vessels. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh stated the vessels would arrive on 22 August, but later an STO official confirmed the first vessel would arrive on 27 August and the second on 11 September. State Trading Organization (STO) will run the services, with MPL handling groundwork at Uligan Island. Vitol will provide bunkers and tugs. The government expects US$400 million annual revenue from next year.

The launch of bunkering services at Haa Alifu Atoll, initially scheduled for 22 August, has been postponed to September, marking the fourth delay. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed had committed to the 22 August date during the Maldives-Szechuan Trade and Investment Cooperation Conference on 6 August. Delays are due to the lack of two key vessels. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh stated the vessels would arrive on 22 August, but later an STO official confirmed the first vessel would arrive on 27 August and the second on 11 September. State Trading Organization (STO) will run the services, with MPL handling groundwork at Uligan Island. Vitol will provide bunkers and tugs. The government expects US$400 million annual revenue from next year.

The launch of bunkering services at Haa Alifu Atoll, initially scheduled for 22 August, has been postponed to September, marking the fourth delay. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed had committed to the 22 August date during the Maldives-Szechuan Trade and Investment Cooperation Conference on 6 August. Delays are due to the lack of two key vessels. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh stated the vessels would arrive on 22 August, but later an STO official confirmed the first vessel would arrive on 27 August and the second on 11 September. State Trading Organization (STO) will run the services, with MPL handling groundwork at Uligan Island. Vitol will provide bunkers and tugs. The government expects US$400 million annual revenue from next year.

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