Maldives

Cargo vessels of Maldives have been barred from entering India’s Tuticorin port following changes to regulations by India’s Shipping Ministry.

Owners of Maldives’ cargo vessels told Sun Online today that some vessels have returned to Male’ after waiting for about three days to be allowed entry, while others are still waiting.

Minister of State for Transport Captain Abdul Latheef told Sun Online that India made changes to its safety regulations last month.

“The new regulation was enforced on 22 June 2012. There are some vessels which do not meet the requirements under the new regulation. Because a lot of money has to be spent on complying with those standards, they obtain classifications from the local Transport Authority. They are denied entry because they don’t meet the requirements,” Latheef said.

He said that under the new regulation, vessels which weigh over 300 tons and are more than 25 years old should have International Authority of Classification certificate, or a classification certificate approved by the Indian authorities.

Most Maldivian vessels carry Maldives Transport Authority classification certificates, which are not world class.

Latheef said that discussions are underway with India’s Shipping Ministry and Mumbai’s Director of Shipping, to obtain approval for the Transport Authority classification certificate.

“We are prepared to travel as soon as we get a date for appointment. We have already sent a letter to inform of our concern. Our classification certificate is also issued after inspection, it’s a good certificate,” Latheef said.

Also under the new standard, the vessels must have P&I insurance - another requirement which is not met by Maldives’ vessels.

Latheef said that India has been requested to approve the relevant local insurance companies which meet the terms of the P&I standard.

Vessel owners have to invest large amounts to comply with the new standards. Maldives imports large quantities of basic commodities such as dhal, onion, potato, garlic, egg, etc. from India.

Economic Minister Ahmed Mohamed said that work is underway in cooperation with Foreign Ministry and Transport Ministry, to solve this problem.

He recognized that the matter needs to be resolved urgently.

Demand for imported commodities rise every Ramadan, which also pulls up prices.