News Desk
The government says all 23 ice plants planned across the Maldives will be completed and brought online before the end of this year, a commitment officials frame as central to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to strengthen the country’s fishing communities. “One of the greatest challenges facing the fisheries sector is the shortage of cold storage capacity,” the President said in his presidential address.
| “ | One of the greatest challenges facing the fisheries sector is the shortage of cold storage capacity, President Dr Muizzu | Presidential Address 2026 |
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam told reporters at the President’s Office that the programme combines Saudi funding with state budget allocations and is designed to remove one of the most persistent obstacles in the sector. The Maldives, a nation of widely dispersed islands where fishermen spend weeks and sometimes a fortnight at sea, depends on reliable ice to preserve catch to international standards and prevent histamine formation.
Shiyam said six plants are already operational and nine more are under construction. Practical work has begun in islands across several atolls:
- Laamu Atoll: Mabaidhoo, Maavah, Hithadhoo
- Meemu Atoll: Veyvah, Mulah
- Seenu Atoll: Meedhoo
- Haa Dhaalu Atoll: Kulhudhuffushi
- Fuvahmulah City
Plants funded through Saudi assistance
- Gaafu Dhaalu: Rathafandhoo
- Alif Alif: Rasdhoo
- Haa Alif: Dhidhdhoo
- Gaafu Alif: Dhandhoo
- Kaafu: Gaafaru
Plants financed through the state budget
- Gaafu Alif: Nilandhoo, Villigili
- Gaafu Dhaalu: Madaveli, Maamendhoo
Shiyam said the full network of 23 plants will ease the pressure on fishermen who often struggle to secure ice before heading out or during long trips. He said the government is also expanding cold storage and value‑addition capacity to ensure better returns for the catch.
The President, in his address, highlighted the broader push to modernise the fleet.
| “ | To further strengthen the adoption of refrigerated seawater (RSW) systems on fishing vessels, 45 facilities have been approved so far, and MVR 25 million has been released to support their installation. SME Digital has also opened RSW financing applications for another 200 fishing boats. President Dr Muizzu | Presidential Address 2026 |
As part of this wider effort, the government is supporting fishermen to install RSW systems and small ice‑making units on their vessels through financing arrangements structured to meet Islamic sharia requirements, giving boats more independence at sea and helping maintain higher quality standards throughout long fishing trips.
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