Government Strengthens Maritime Safety Measures Following Bridge Near Miss

The Government is strengthening maritime safety and emergency response measures following a vessel-related incident near the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge on September 10, with inspections confirming that the bridge sustained no structural damage.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib said the incident was a near miss and that engineers from Second Harbour Engineering Company (SHEC), which constructed the bridge, inspected the structure immediately after the incident and again the following morning.

The inspections confirmed that there was no structural damage to the bridge, with only surface scratches identified.

Minister Muththalib said the scratches will be repaired by SHEC using appropriate and internationally accepted methods under the existing monitoring, inspection and maintenance arrangements established with the company through Chinese grant aid.

Highlighting the importance of strengthening preventive measures, the minister said a vessel losing control near Malé could pose a serious risk to the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, the Velana International Airport bridge and other critical infrastructure.

In response to such risks, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is already working to enhance its emergency response capacity through the acquisition of two powerful new tugboats capable of securing and controlling drifting vessels before they reach the bridges.

The new tugboats are expected to be delivered within two months, the minister said.

The government will also review anchorage arrangements in the port and establish clearer emergency communication and response procedures in coordination with the Maldives Coast Guard and other relevant authorities.

The measures reflect the government’s focus on strengthening preventive maritime safety systems and ensuring that the necessary capacity is in place to protect critical infrastructure and the safety of people in the capital.