Japan-funded maritime coordination centre opens in Villimalé
The centre will serve as the national command hub for coordinating maritime and air search and rescue operations, as well as emergency responses.
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A Maritime Coordination Centre developed in Villimalé with financial assistance from the Japanese government was officially inaugurated on Sunday.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the facility during a ceremony held in Villimalé.
The centre will serve as the national command hub for coordinating maritime and air search and rescue operations, as well as emergency responses aimed at protecting lives and property.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said the Maldives has experienced loss of life and property due to climate-related events and other incidents at sea.
He said search and rescue operations and assistance to vessels in distress are among the core responsibilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
"The new building of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre opened today, equipped with modern facilities, will provide immense support in rescue operations and assisting vessels in distress at sea," Hilmy said.
Construction of the facility began in 2022 with funding from the Government of Japan.
The centre includes an operations room for coordinating maritime and air emergency responses, as well as training classrooms and an auditorium.
The project was coordinated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), while the Australian government provided support to equip the facility with the resources required for its operations.
