Agreement signed regarding provision of ferry services to three northern atolls

The government has signed an agreement with Airports Ferry Operators Association regarding the provision of ferry services to Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at Ministry of Transport today, by Minister of State for Transport Mohamed Anees and Vice President of Airports Ferry Operators Association Hussain Lugman.

Speaking at the ceremony, Anees said that the agreement signed today is for one year, and that the government will focus on improving ferry services to the atolls.

He said that the government will spend about MVR 300,000 per atoll per month for the provision of this service, and the revenue will be kept by Airports Ferry Operators Association.

Secretary General of Airports Ferry Operators Association Umar Mohamed said that the service will begin in about one week, and that vessels similar to those used as ferries between Male’ and Hulhule’ will be used for this new service to the three northern atolls.

He said that three ferries will be scheduled per week, and the tickets for trips within atolls will cost MVR 20, while tickets for trips to other atolls will cost MVR 35.

He further said that this service will be provided free of charge to children below the age of two, elderly persons above the age of 65, and special needs persons.