RTL ferry in Huvadhoo to begin in mid-2023

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry boat to start operations in the southern Huvadhoo atoll has been handed over to MTCC.

The ferry was designed and constructed by Al-Shali Marine. After completing the first ferry used in Huvadhoo atoll, it was released to the sea from Thilafushi boatyard on Wednesday.

MTCC spokesperson told Atoll Times on Wednesday that they are working to complete the work on six boats for RTL ferry services in Huvadhoo Atoll by July.

On these boats:

Earlier (in the first phase of the RTL project), the boats were designed by Gulf Craft. The boats for phase 2 and phase 3 will be designed by Al-Shaali Marine Maldives. There are 65 ferries planned for 17 atolls.

The entire country will be divided into different zones and the RTL ferry service will be provided, while Huvadhoo atoll is one of them.

MTCC officials said that after the completion of the boats, efforts are on to resume ferry services in Huvadhoo Atoll by the end of this year.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has previously stated that four southern atolls will be connected by RTL ferry service by the end of this year.

The RTL service is now being provided in:

MTCC had earlier said that after resuming RTL services in the south, it would once again be extended to other islands in the Lh. atoll zone.

The company aims to connect the entire country with the ferry system in the next two years.