Colombo, Sri Lanka—July 17, 2012—Famous Pacific Shipping (FPS) Lanka, a member of the FPS global network of freight forwarders, launched a weekly ocean consolidation service from Sri Lanka to key points throughout the Maldives Islands.
Comprising several atolls and hundreds of small islands, the Maldives provide many challenges for shipping, due to the widely-varying and restricted port facilities. Vessel drafts are generally very limited, yard space is severely restricted and discharge facilities are often rudimentary.
The new FPS service operates from the company’s bonded consolidation facility in the Port, via the Maldive’s capital, Male, to all main islands and locations including Hithadhoo; Gan Islands; Kuludhufushi; Thiladhanmathee; Felidhe; Mulaku; and others. Onforwarding to final destination is undertaken within three days of arrival in Male Port, using a variety of local boat and barge- and landing-craft operators.
The service includes customs clearance and documentation in Male, on-forwarding to islands within three days of arrival, discharge and delivery to consignee. Customers can also track their shipments online.
“Many developments such as hotels and infrastructure projects are taking place across the Maldives, and are additionally creating considerable supporting traffic in general merchandise,” said Gihan Nanayakkara, MD, FPS Lanka. “This service provides an attractive, highly cost-effective new transport option for freight agents and their customers in the Indian subcontinent and further afield. With our vast experience in this market, and our well-established reputation for groupage services, we anticipate strong demand.”
