Maldivian businesses are set to benefit from broader access to international cargo routes and global logistics services following the commencement of Evergreen Line’s operations in the Maldives through Maldives State Shipping (MSS).
Evergreen Line officially launched its Maldives operations during a ceremony held at Hotel Jen in Malé. Under an agreement signed with Evergreen’s Sri Lanka office, MSS will serve as the international shipping company’s official local representative, providing Maldivian importers and exporters with direct access to Evergreen’s extensive cargo transportation network.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Abdul Latheef; Managing Director of Maldives State Shipping, Ahmed Shareef; Managing Director of State Trading Organisation, Shimad Ibrahim; and senior officials representing the participating companies. MSS operates as a subsidiary of State Trading Organisation, one of the Maldives’ leading state-owned enterprises.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Abdul Latheef said the partnership would bring together MSS’s knowledge of the Maldivian market and operational experience with Evergreen’s international shipping network. He noted that the collaboration would support efforts to address logistics and transportation challenges affecting the movement of cargo to and from the Maldives.
The state minister highlighted the important role played by maritime transport in sustaining the Maldivian economy, particularly as the country depends heavily on imported products for households, businesses, infrastructure development and the tourism sector. He said more than 90,000 categories of goods are imported into the Maldives, demonstrating the importance of reliable, efficient and internationally connected shipping services.
Abdul Latheef identified congestion at the Malé Commercial Harbour as one of the main challenges currently affecting the shipping and logistics industry. He said the government’s planned relocation of commercial port operations was expected to strengthen cargo-handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and generate wider benefits for shipping companies, importers, exporters and other stakeholders within the logistics sector.
MSS Managing Director Ahmed Shareef said the partnership would provide Maldivian businesses with easier access to Evergreen’s cargo services across multiple international regions. He said the arrangement was particularly expected to strengthen the transportation of goods from China to the Maldives, an important trade route for local businesses importing construction materials, machinery, electronics, household products and a wide range of commercial goods.
The commencement of Evergreen’s local operations is expected to offer businesses additional options when planning international shipments, while supporting greater connectivity between the Maldives and key overseas markets. Expanded access to international shipping networks can also contribute to improving supply-chain planning, strengthening the availability of essential goods and enhancing the competitiveness of Maldivian companies participating in international trade.
Evergreen Line is an internationally recognised shipping company serving businesses across major global trade routes. Its entry into the Maldivian market through MSS is expected to further integrate the country’s logistics sector with established international cargo networks and provide local customers with access to a wider range of shipping destinations and services.
MSS has also been officially listed on Evergreen Line’s website as the company’s representative in the Maldives, confirming the formal commencement of the partnership and providing international customers and business partners with a recognised local point of contact.
Evergreen Sri Lanka Vice President Anuradha Fernando said the company had undertaken extensive research before selecting a Maldivian partner that fulfilled its operational and service requirements. She said Evergreen was confident in its decision to enter the Maldives market in partnership with MSS, reflecting the company’s confidence in MSS’s experience, capabilities and understanding of local shipping operations.
The agreement further expands MSS’s portfolio of international shipping partnerships. The company currently works with major global shipping operators Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, enabling businesses in the Maldives to connect with international cargo routes through established maritime networks.
MSS said it would continue exploring opportunities to form partnerships with additional international shipping operators. Such collaborations are expected to expand shipping options available to Maldivian businesses, support efficient cargo transportation and contribute to the continued development of the country’s trade and logistics sector.
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