The first ferry to be used for Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service in Huvadhu atoll has been built.
The ferry is more spacious than the previous speedboats used by Maldives Trasport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to provide ferry services. The ferry, which can carry 50 passengers at a time, was built by Al Shali Marine Pvt Ltd. The ferry is accessible to wheelchairs and has space to accommodate stretchers.
MTCC said RTL services would start in Huvadhu Atoll with six launches mid-year. The service will connect the province with Fuvahmulah and Addu City.
Al Shali Marine Maldives Pvt Ltd was awarded the contract in September 2022 to build 65 launches required to further expand RTL's ferry service. The project was awarded for MVR 537 million.
The National Ferry System, or RTL, was officially launched on June 12, 2022, and is currently available in Haa Alif, Alif Dhaalu, Shaviyani, and Lhaviyani atoll. The ferry system will connect islands across the Maldives by commute link, non-commute link, and highway link.
Commute links are daily trips between nearby islands, while non-commute links are journeys between two islands that are a bit farther apart in distance. This includes non-daily airport trips and business trips. Highway links are long journeys that connect the transport hub of one region to the transport hub of another.
The division of zones under RTL are:
Zone One: Ha. | HDh. | Sh.
Zone Two: N. | R. | B. | Lh.
Zone Three: K. | Aa. | ADh. | V.
Zone Four: M. | F. | Dh. | Th. | L.
Zone Five: Ga. | GDh.
Zone Six: Fuvahmulah | Addu City
