The Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, flagged-off the Direct Shipping Service between India to Maldives, at V.O. Chidambaranar Port.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shantanu Thakur, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways stated that the induction of this vessel is another milestone in the comprehensive bilateral relations between India and Maldives. He mentioned that with this vessel, the direct cargo service will offer excellent business opportunities to the EXIM trade of both India & Maldives and will further cement close ties between the two countries, enhancing people-to-people contact and boosting bilateral trade.
During its maiden journey, the vessel ‘M.V. MSS Galena’ with a capacity to carry 421 TEUs of containers and provision to carry bulk cargo, will be carrying 270 TEUs of containers from Tuticorin. The vessel will sail from VOC Port, Tuticorin to Male today, and is scheduled to reach Male on 07.05.2023.
Shri T.K. Ramachandran, I.A.S., Chairman, VOC Port Authority, in his address stated that the Port is always committed to provide cost effective, efficient logistics service to the Maritime Community. It is heartening to note that the bilateral trade between India and Maldives has considerably increased to touch USD 323.9 Million and the Inda – Maldives service has played a vital role in connecting the EXIM community of both the countries. India is the 3rd largest Business partner of Maldives and with the induction of this vessel, direct and dependable transport link will further the international trade and business.
Capy. B.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India, in his address stated that this Container Service, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, concretely fulfills the commitment made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Maldives. The Shipping service operated by Shipping Corporation of India will run thrice a month and will provide a cost effective, direct and alternate means of transportation of goods between India and Maldives.
The event was graced by Mr. Munu Mahawar, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Mr. H.E. Ahmed Zuhair, Minister of State for Transport and Civil Aviation, Maldivian Ministry, Mr. H.E. Hamadh Abdul Ghanee, Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mr. Ibrahim Shaheeb, High Commissioner of Maldives to India, and Capt. Mohamed Nazim, Maldives State Shipping, through Video Conferencing.
Shri Bimal Kumar Jha, Deputy Chairman, VOC Port Authority, welcomed the gathering. The event was attended by Board Members of VOC Port, Senior Officials of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Shipping Corporation of India, Stakeholders of the Port, and the Maritime fraternity of Tuticorin.
