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Ice shortage to be addressed within five years with new plant construction
13 May 2025
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Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam speaking at the Ahaa forum --- Photo: President's Office
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has outlined a plan to resolve the ongoing ice shortage for fishermen within the next five years, including the construction of three new ice plants.
Speaking at the Ahaa forum on Monday night, Minister Shiyam addressed concerns about the government’s efforts to tackle the ice shortage. He explained that many of the 17 ice plants previously handed over to Fenaka Corporation by the former government were non-operational. To resolve this, the plants have been transferred back to the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), which has the necessary expertise and trained staff to manage and maintain them. However, significant financial investment was required to restore these plants to full operation.
Of the 26 ice plants under MIFCO’s oversight, only three remain non-operational, and efforts are now underway to restore them. Minister Shiyam emphasised that ice is essential for preserving the freshness of fish and highlighted the Ministry’s push for the installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing vessels. These systems freeze saltwater into ice, reducing the need for fishermen to travel between plants.
Minister Shiyam expressed confidence that the ice shortage issue would be fully resolved within five years. He noted that three new ice plants are set to be completed within two to three months, and five more plants are in the tender evaluation phase. The aim is to increase ice production capacity by 700 tonnes by year-end.
The Government is also investing in RSW systems for 110 fishing vessels, and if all 17 ice plants are restored within the five-year period, the production target will be met.
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