MoS flags off direct shipping service from VOC Port to Male

TUTICORIN: Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, on Friday, inducted vessel MSS Galena into India-Maldives Service, and flagged off the Direct Shipping Service from VOC Port, Tuticorin to Male.
During its maiden journey, MSS Galena, with a capacity to carry 421 TEUs of containers and provision to carry bulk cargo, is carrying 270 TEUs of containers from Tuticorin. The vessel, which sailed from Tuticorin on Friday, is scheduled to reach Male on May 7.
Thakur said that the induction of the MSS Galena vessel is another milestone in the comprehensive bilateral relations between India and Maldives. He added that with this vessel, the direct cargo service will offer business opportunities to the EXIM trade of both India and Maldives, and will further cement close ties between the two countries, enhancing people-to-people contact and boosting bilateral trade.
TK Ramachandran, Chairman, VOC Port Authority, in his address, stated that the bilateral trade between India and Maldives has considerably increased to touch USD 323.9 Million and the India - Maldives service has played a vital role in connecting the EXIM community of both countries. “India is the third largest Business partner of Maldives and with the induction of this vessel, direct and dependable transport link will further international trade and business,” he added. Capt BK Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India, meanwhile said that the shipping service operated by Shipping Corporation of India will run thrice a month and will provide a cost effective, direct and alternate means of transportation of goods between India and Maldives.
The event was attended by board members of VOC Port, senior officials of VO Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Shipping Corporation of India, among others. Munu Mahawar, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, HE Ahmed Zuhair, Minister of State for Transport and Civil Aviation, Maldivian Ministry, Ibrahim Shaheeb, High Commissioner of Maldives to India, took part in the event through video conferencing.