MIFCO's new 'Jazeera 103' barge has begun to weigh fish.

At a ceremony held at GDh. Faresmaathodaa to inaugurate the vessel, MIFCO's CEO Ismail Fauzy, STO's Managing Director Abdullah Saeed, and Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer attended as guests of honour.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fauzy stated that this year fishermen have been paid the most in comparison to previous years. As such, fishermen have been paid close to MVR 1 billion, he stated.

This is one of President Solih's pledges, to station a vessel in Huvadhoo atoll to make it easier for the fishermen to weigh their catch.

"Jazeera 103 would provide convenience to the fishermen in the area. The vessel has a freezing capacity of about 120 tons and a storage capacity of 400 tons," Fauzy stated.

He added that three other vessels are undergoing modification processes and will be made operational soon.

He noted that President Solih has taken on multiple projects to ease the challenges faced by fishermen. As such, a 4,000 ton cold storage is currently being build in Kooddoo in addition to the existing 2,000 ton cold storage. Additionally, Kooddoo harbour is also being developed to add another 400 sqft to provide ease to the vessels and MIFCO is working together with STO to ensure more services to the fishermen.

Fauzy also added that work is underway to develop a 50 ton container to export fish to foreign markets.

"With these services commencing, the national shipping line will be exporting our fish products. This will bring economic progress to the nation," Fauzy said.