Govt defines off-port limit for Ihavandhippolhu bunkering service
Government initiated offshore banking services in Ihavandhippolhu on September 20.
The government has established an off-port limit for offshore bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhu in the north, following an amendment to the Off Port Limit and Offshore Services Regulations.
The amendment, which came into effect Tuesday, outlines the boundaries of the off-port limit in the Ihavandhippolhu area, providing specific map coordinates for the defined zone.
Previously, regulations specified the off-port limit only in relation to the regional port of HDh. Kulhudhuffushi. The new definition sets a separate area, aligned with an official commercial port, to facilitate offshore services.
The off-port limit enables vessels to access various services without the need to dock or make port calls. This adjustment aims to improve operational efficiency by reducing time and costs for vessel operators.
The amendment introduces several procedural changes, including:
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Notification to relevant authorities of the arrival of vessels at the off-port limit or offshore area at least 12 hours before arrival, a reduction from the previous requirement of 48 hours.
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Requirement for vessels to obtain permission from authorities before stopping in the off-port limit and offshore area.
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Obligation for service providers and vessels to acquire a license from the Ministry of Transport for docking offshore. The license must be renewed annually, one month before its expiration.
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Expansion of services to include the transfer of vessel masters, crew, and maritime personnel such as unarmed sea marshals for off-port limit and offshore operations.
The government initiated offshore bunkering services in Ihavandhippolhu on September 20. The services include offshore bunkering or ship refuelling, which is managed by the State Trading Organisation (STO). The STO currently offers marine gas oil for luxury yachts and ships, as well as very low fuel oil for larger cargo vessels.
Pilotage and additional maritime services are provided by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). Operations began using the 3,258-tonne MT Marine Angel and the 3,929-tonne MT Marine Bella. Plans are underway to establish storage facilities in the area to further support and expand the service.
