National shipping company, Maldives State Shipping (MSS) has commenced direct shipping services between Tuticorin, India and Thinadhoo, Addu atolls.
A special ceremony was held at Thinadhoo island to commence the service. Speaking at the ceremony, MSS’s Managing Director Abdulla Saeed said the commencement of direct shipping services bring with it a lot of hope, and that the company hopes to carry goods to the vessel's full capacity and transport it to the southern atolls. The service will open golden opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the south, said Saeed. He added that the service will also provide numerous opportunities for those seeking a career in the shipping industry, while also being able to visit their hometown atleast once a month.
Managing Director of State Trading Organization (STO), Hussain Amr said MSS was established at a time when global freight rates were extremely high. However, the company did not increase its rates, and that itself is a success for the company, said Amr.
