MPL and Qatar Airways Sign MoU to Boost Sea-to-Air Cargo Services

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cargo services in MPL’s sea-to-air transhipment operations. 

The agreement was signed by MPL Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim and Managing Director of Ace Travels Maldives, Mohamed Firaq, who is the General Service Agent for Qatar Airways in the Maldives.

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Under this MoU, Qatar Airways will support MPL by providing cargo transhipment services, facilitating the swift movement of goods from sea to air. The initiative follows the launch of the sea-to-air service by MPL in May, which has already seen significant export activity. 

According to MPL’s CEO Wajeeh, the Maldives has successfully re-exported 25,191 clothing packages to various global destinations, including Italy, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Turkey. 

The first shipment under this service was a garment consignment from Bangladesh. Wajeeh noted that the government’s aim is to broaden the country’s economic activities while increasing national revenue. He also revealed that the new transhipment service had generated USD 20,000 in revenue within just one month.

Mohamed Firaq, Managing Director of Ace Travels Maldives, expressed optimism about the future of the sea-to-air services. He emphasised that Qatar Airways’ extensive global flight network and its ability to carry up to 50 tonnes of goods position the airline as a key player in expanding this initiative.

The sea-to-air transhipment model was introduced to reduce the time required for shipping goods by sea, providing faster and more efficient transportation solutions. In collaboration with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and international airlines, this hybrid service is designed to meet the growing demands of the commercial sector. 

MPL noted that the increased flight frequency to various countries resulting from this service offers significant benefits, often seen in foreign markets seeking to expedite export processes.