Establishment of MSS enables development of the maritime sector: Transport Minister

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has stated the establishment of the national shipping line, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), has enabled the development of the shipping industry.

The transport minister made the statement while delivering her remarks on the occasion of World Maritime Day. In her message, Minister Nahula said international days such as this are opportunities to inform and educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems at international, regional and national levels.

Noting this year’s Maritime day is celebrated at a time when the world is battling with the COVID -19 pandemic, the minister said the people working in the industry, especially the seafarers, are some of the most vulnerable and affected due to the current pandemic. She added the Maldives is also facing the same obstacles as other nations due to the pandemic, such as difficulties in crew changes, delay of wages and impacts on the day to day activities enabling the smooth operation of the maritime industry. She stated the maritime authority of the Maldives will continue working hard to mitigate these negative consequences of the pandemic.

The transport minister stated even in the midst of such difficult times, the Maldives has successfully established its own shipping company, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), and expressed hope that this would be an opportunity for fostering the maritime human resource capacity. She also highlighted the launching of a direct cargo shipping service between India and the Maldives.

Highlighting the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day is “Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet”, the minister said this theme highlights the importance for the maritime sector to urgently address the implementation of the measures adopted to reduce emissions to make our environment cleaner and safer. She added sustainability of shipping can only be assured by ensuring that maritime activities are carried out in an environmentally non-invasive manner.

Concluding her remarks, the transport minister wished the maritime industry a bright future as the industry goes through change and transition towards cleaner oceans with green and sustainable goals and new opportunities for seafarers.

Source – PSM News

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