Waste Management Partnership Launched for Maldives Economic Gateway

A new collaboration has been established to manage waste from vessels utilizing the international bunkering services at the Maldives Economic Gateway, formerly known as Ihavandhippolhu. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has officially partnered with Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) for this initiative.

The agreement, signed today, tasks WAMCO with managing the waste collected by MPL from ships seeking bunkering services in the area. MPL's CEO, Mohamed Wajih, revealed that waste management operations will be conducted at a dedicated facility on an island near the Economic Gateway.

Wajih emphasized that this partnership is mutually beneficial, providing both MPL and WAMCO with opportunities to increase their revenue streams. The Northern Gateway office has been established in H.A. Uligam.

WAMCO's Managing Director, Mujtaba Jaleel, announced that in addition to waste collection, the company will also handle used oil management from the vessels. He explained that the collected waste will be transported to the Regional Waste Management Center being developed on Kunburudhoo Island.

Jaleel stated that the service will initially be operated by WAMCO's existing staff from Kulhudhuffushi. The company plans to use its landing craft for waste transportation, with the potential for job creation as the service expands.

The offshore bunkering service, initiated by STO in collaboration with Vitol, has so far catered to one vessel. MPL provides other necessary services to ships in the area. Through the Gateway office, MPL will offer 14 different services to vessels, many of which are already operational.

This new waste management agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the services provided at the Maldives Economic Gateway, ensuring environmental responsibility while fostering economic growth in the region.