Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday that the cargo ferry service established between Maldives and India will serve to reinforce the partnership between the two countries.
The cargo ferry service links the ports of Tuticorin and Cochin in India with the ports of Kulhudhuffushi and Male’ in Maldives.
MV MCP Linz made its maiden voyage to Kulhudhuffushi earlier this Saturday.
In a tweet on Saturday evening, President Solih thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.
He said the cargo ferry service will reinforce the ties between Maldives and India, and bring greater prosperity to both communities.
Our thanks to PM @narendramodi and Govt of India as the Maldives-India Cargo Ferry Service goes on its maiden voyage today between Kulhudhuffushi, Malé and South India. The ferry would further strengthen #MaldivesIndia friendship and bring greater prosperity to our communities.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) September 26, 2020
MVR MCP Linz unloaded 500 metric tonnes of cement and two containers of other types of cargo, and will travel onwards to Male’.
MV MCP Linz is operated by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). It has the capacity to carry 380 TEUs and 3,000 metric tonnes of bulk cargo, and has a turnaround time of approximately 10 days for its voyages.
The ship will make two monthly voyages between Maldives and India.