STO partners with Geo-Chem to open fuel testing lab in Maldives

State Trading Organization (STO) has opened a fuel testing laboratory – the first such lab developed in the Maldives. 

The lab was opened by STO’s Chairman Hamid Nasheed and Board member Aminath Rushma in a ceremony held at the STO Trade Center in Male’ City on Tuesday. 

The lab will be operated by Geo-Chem Middle East – a top inspection and testing company headquartered in Dubai.

STO’s Managing Director Hussain Amr Mohamed Rashad said the lab will test petrol, diesel and jet fuel imported into Maldives, enabling the country to maintain the quality of fuel imported into Maldives. 

“We will be able to ascertain that the fuel imported into Maldives is suitable for use and environment friendly,” he said. 

CLOSING DOORS TO IMPORT OF POOR-QUALITY FUEL 

Many of the developed countries across the world have set standards for the fuel imported into the countries. Therefore, the fuel which do not meet the standards are often sold to countries that do not maintain standards. 

Meanwhile, the fuel exported by countries hit with economic sanctions are available at a cheaper rate. However, such fuel is often contaminated. 

Amr said that establishing fuel testing facilities in Maldives will ensure the maintenance of the standard of fuel imported into the country. 

STO said the lab can conduct five types of tests on petrol, four types of tests on diesel, and full recertification of jet fuel. 

Geo-Chem's Director Pradeep Gopal said the lab will have ISO and ICC 1705:2017 accreditation, ensuring the credibility of tests conducted at the lab. 

BIG RELIEF TO MACL 

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)’s spokesperson Shamman Shakir told Sun the lab offers a huge ease to the company’s operations. 

“For one thing, we currently bring in fuel every 10 days. We fill the five tanks currently at this airport and test the fuel in each tank separately,” he said. 

Shamman said it takes three days to have the tests done from overseas.  

However, with the new lab, MACL will be able to get immediate results. 

Shamman said it will also save a huge expense. 

“We currently send the samples via Emirates. And it's expensive, given jet fuel is categorized as a dangerous good,” he said. 

Shamman said that MACL was also working on opening a new fuel farm this year, providing further relief to fuel-related operations. 

RELIEF TO PRIVATE SECTOR 

Hussain Aman, the General Manager of Hawks – a top fuel trade company in Maldives – said the lab also offers ease to private companies. 

“One of the biggest challenges we face is the inability to provide assurance on the quality of fuel to our customers, resorts, fishermen or boatowners,” he said. 

Aman said that while fuel is tested at the port of import, no further tests can be done once the fuel is imported into Maldives. 

He said that testing the fuel is therefore expensive, despite how much customers may want quality assurance. 

Aman said being able to save the high air freight charges to send samples overseas for testing offers a huge relief. 

Villa Hakatha’s Sales Manager Yameen Habeeb expressed similar sentiments. He said that the lab will provide customers assurance on the quality of fuel. 

Geo-Chem has provided assurance it will offer testing services as at good rates, compared to international rates.