Speedboats dispatched to commence RTL ferry service at Shaviyani Atoll

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), on Sunday, has stated that the speedboats required to commence high-speed ferry service at Shaviyani Atoll under Raajje Transport Link (RTL) has been dispatched to the atoll on Sunday.

The company detailed that four speedboats required to commence the service at Shaviyani Atoll were dispatched on Sunday. As per the company, RTL ferry service at Shaviyani Atoll will officially commence next Tuesday, and the speedboats would operate on seven routes.

RTL ferry service has presently commenced at Haa Alifu Atoll and Haa Dhaalu Atoll, making Shaviyani Atoll the third region the service will commence in.

Trial trips will be undertaken for a week after the commencement of service, which will be fare-free. Reservations can be made for trial trips through island councils.

RTL ferry service is provided under the government’s ‘Integrated National Public Ferry Network’ which aims to connect the Maldivian islands through a high-speed ferry network. This is an electoral pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The first phase of the ‘Integrated National Public Ferry Network’ aims to link 41 islands in the atolls; Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani – referred to as Zone 1.

The ferries used in the service are 50-seaters, with two seats designated for people in wheelchairs. The service is free for people with disabilities and children under the age of three years.

The ferries are air-conditioned, and equipped with USD equipped with USB charging ports at every seat, a restroom, and a separate storage space for luggage. Passengers are permitted one carry-on luggage in addition to their main luggage.