New regulation provides offshore and off port services to foreign vessels

Offshore shipping and off port limited services will be offered to foreign vessels anchoring in Maldivian waters, in accordance with a new Maldives Transport Authority (MTA) regulation, reports local media.

The regulation, published April 24, will allow ships to anchored in designated off port areas to access services including bunkering, transferring goods between vessels, anchorage to conduct maintenance and repairs, as well as the exchange of crew, surveyors, and seamen.

The regulation aims to generate new revenue for the country, according to MTA.

To access the designated off port areas, ships must notify Maldivian authorities – via their local agents – 48 hours in advance, and provide notification of dangerous cargo and weapons. The regulation also mandates vessels use local agent services to seek off port and offshore services.

Large vessels can anchor outside the port limit in the following designated areas to receive services: Haa Alif Atoll near Uligamu Island and Haa Dhaalu Atoll near Kulhudhuffushi Island in the north, near the capital Male’ in the central atoll of Kaafu, as well as near Gan in Seenu Atoll in the south.

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