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MPL launches new water barge for off-shore bunkering

The Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has introduced a barge to supply water to ships obtaining off-shore bunkering in Ihavandippolhu.

The new water barge was unloaded from the Thilafushi dockyard on Wednesday. According to MPL, the barge has a total storage capacity of 200 tonnes and is equipped with a water plant, allowing it to produce and store water onboard.

Previously, water was delivered to bunkering vessels using landing craft equipped with water tanks. MPL describes the development as a further step forward for MPL's maritime services in the north.

International bunkering services were launched in the Maldives on September 19 this year. According to the latest update by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, bunkering services in the north have generated $1.5 million in revenue so far.