MTCC contracted for second and third phases of high-speed ferry network project

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted for the second and third phases of the ‘Integrated National Public Ferry Network’ which aims to connect the Maldivian islands through a high-speed ferry network.

The agreement pertaining to the second and third phases of the project was signed at a special ceremony held at Planning Ministry on Thursday night. Permanent Secretary Zeeniya Ahmed signed the agreement on behalf of Planning Ministry – whereas MTCC’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Azim signed on behalf of the company.

MTCC detailed that the execution of the agreement will commence the work necessary to launch high-speed ferry services the islands in Zone 2 (Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani Atoll), Zone 3 (Kaafu, Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu Atoll), Zone 4 (Meemu, Faafu Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu Atoll), Zone 5 (Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll) and Zone 6 (Seenu and Lnaviyani Atoll).

The company also underscored that they would be building a total of 65 speedboats to provide the services at the islands included in these zones. These air-conditioned speedboats will be built with space for passengers to keep their luggage and would have restrooms as well. Moreover, they would be easily accessible to persons with disabilities and sick people.

Under the second and third phases – a total of 149 terminals will be established including five zone terminals, 31 ferry terminals and 113 ferry stops. MTCC stressed that the terminals will be designed in a manner that it is easy for the customers to use the facility.

The high-speed ferry services will be available for customers on all seven days of the week.

Conclusion of the second and third phases of the project will completely interconnect the dispersed Maldivian islands in one transportation link.

Also contracted to MTCC, the first phase of the project aims to link the 41 islands in the atolls; Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani – referred to as Zone 1.

To provide services for Zone 1 – the company will be utilizing speedboats measuring up to 47-feet that can accommodate up to 40 to 50 people at a time. 14 speedboats would be used daily for the operations with three more in backup.

MTCC tested the first speedboat under the first phase of the project last October.