The Directorate of Shipping Services is preparing to expand its harbour-sector operations by chartering three 50-passenger vessels to improve inland water connectivity across Diglipur, Long Island and the Nancowry region. The move, announced this week in Sri Vijaya Puram, signals a bid to reinforce maritime routes that serve as the primary transport backbone for thousands of islanders.
Officials said the additional vessels are expected to support smoother and more reliable movement on some of the busiest inter-island stretches. DSS currently operates with an ageing fleet, and rising demand for mobility, livelihoods and access to essential services has placed pressure on existing capacity. The charter is aimed at easing that load, helping ensure that daily services remain stable despite operational constraints.
For many outer-island communities, DSS remains the only consistent link to markets, healthcare and administrative hubs. Any disruptions, whether due to weather, mechanical issues or resource shortages, can affect residents who rely on routine travel for work, study or essential supplies. By adding chartered vessels, DSS expects to strengthen redundancy in its system, reducing delays and improving predictability for commuters.
The three proposed vessels are intended for deployment on harbour routes where demand is high and service frequency is crucial. Officials indicated that the move is part of a broader, long-term effort to enhance connectivity and bring services in line with the needs of a growing population. The chartering process also reflects DSS’s shift toward flexible capacity-building as it continues to work within the constraints of maintenance cycles and limited fleet availability.
To operationalise the initiative, the Administration has floated tenders inviting eligible firms to participate. The tender notice was published on December 3 through the A&N Administration’s official e-procurement portal. The bidding process will determine the firms selected to provide the vessels under charter arrangements compliant with maritime and safety standards.
DSS reiterated that the strengthened vessel availability will help prevent service bottlenecks and offer residents more dependable travel options. Officials said the department remains committed to delivering efficient and welfare-oriented services, particularly for remote regions where dependable maritime links are essential for daily life.
With the charter proposal now underway, the department is looking to stabilise its operations ahead of the peak movement period when inter-island travel typically increases. The initiative is positioned as a key measure to uphold accessibility and ensure that communities dependent on maritime routes continue to receive timely and uninterrupted connectivity.
