Male (3rd September) - Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) unveiled a new website dedicated to the upcoming maritime services in the northern region of the Maldives today. Branded as "Uthuru Maritime Services (U.M.S)", these offerings will include international fuel bunkering and various essential maritime solutions. The U.M.S website was officially launched by Abdulla Nazim, Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy, during an esteemed ceremony at MPL’s headquarters. The site is designed to provide accurate, up-to-date information about the maritime services available in the northern region, along with details on service providers and agents. State Trading Organization (STO) is nearing the launch of its international fuel bunkering service in the region. With this development, MPL will offer a broad range of maritime services, including provisioning, speedboat services, pilotage, water bunkering, crew changes, and maintenance. Additionally, MPL has plans to further expand and enhance these services in the near future. In his speech at the launch event, MPL’s CEO, Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim, stressed the importance of offering a comprehensive range of services to attract more vessels to the northern atolls. He noted that the launch of this website would open new doors for the Maldives in international maritime markets. “Vessels will only use our services if they are complete and reliable. Our objective is to ensure that these services are fully developed from the outset, providing compelling reasons for vessels to choose the Maldives for fuel bunkering and other maritime needs,” said CEO Wajeeh. He also emphasized MPL’s commitment to delivering services that benefit the nation by working closely with other government bodies and private companies. Speaking at the event, STO’s Managing Director, Shamid Ibrahim, highlighted that STO aims to generate economic benefits for the country through its international fuel bunkering service. He also acknowledged MPL's substantial role in supporting this initiative. Principal Secretary Abdulla Nazim highlighted the significance of the U.M.S website as a crucial step in introducing maritime services to the northern atolls. He expressed optimism that the launch of the website would accelerate the rollout of these services, ensuring they are fully operational without unnecessary delays.