Parliament has passed to accept the amendment proposed by the government to increase entry and anchoring charges at Male’ port.
The motion to accept the bill was passed by 53 votes while 10 members voted against it. In addition, 2 members did not vote either way. According to the amendment proposed, the charges should be revised because the current charges were decided years ago and it does not reflect the price inflation of goods and services.
The current Port Tariff legislation was made in 1978. The government has proposed 10 amendments to the legislation. As per the new amendment vessels which is less than 200 gross metric tons should pay 200 Rufiyaa while, vessels with 200 to 1000 tons should pay 300 Rufiyaa. Vessels in between 1000 to 2000 tons should pay 400 Rufiyaa while vessels with 2000 tons and above should pay 500 Rufiyaa.
In addition, as anchorage charges, vessels should pay 65 Rufiyaa per day till the 45th day and starting from 46th day till 90th day 100 Rufiyaa should be paid per day. In addition, starting from 91st day vessels should pay 150 Rufiyaa per day.
Furthermore, the amendment says that, vessels registered in Maldives which does not have 1000 gross tons will not get permission to anchor at the port. At present the limit is at 500 tons. According to the amendment, vessels should pay these fees to transport authority within 3 months. Also any vessels anchored at the port can depart after paying these fees.
Parliament passes to increase port tariffs
