Bunkering to begin in Sep; MPL joins service
STO signed an MoU with Vitol on March 13 to implement an international bunkering project in Ihavandhippolhu.
The bunkering service announced by the government earlier this month is expected to start next month, the state-owned companies STO and MPL said.
STO and MPL signed an agreement at a ceremony held at MPL head office on Thursday. The agreement was signed by:
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STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim
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MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim
MPL said the agreement will include international bunkering services in the north of Maldives and additional maritime services. Under the agreement:
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STO will provide offshore bunkering services
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MPL will provide pilotage and other maritime services
Under the MoU signed between STO and MPL, the two companies will work together to provide bunkering services.
The two companies will also work together to market the service.
Shimad said the bunkering service will start next month.
The first service in Ihavandhippolhu in the north will be floating bunkering, he said, adding that two barges with a capacity of 4,000 tonnes will be used to carry oil and storage will also be established in the area in the future.
However, iIn late July, economic minister Mohamed Saeed said the bunkering service would start in August.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MPL CEO Wajeeh said the northern region is an important region for international shipping and the provision of bunkering and maritime services in the north would be of great benefit to Maldives.
"Without any kind of marketing, even now, according to the records of the Uligan council, 6 or 8 new boats are calling the area every month for services," he said.
STO signed an MoU with Vitol, the world's largest private energy company, on March 13 to implement an international bunkering project in Ihavandhippolhu.
