In a significant boost to the Maldives’ maritime capabilities, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially commissioned the vessel “CGS Imaduddin” into service during a special ceremony held at the MPL Hulhumale’ Port on Monday night.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), President Muizzu presided over the commissioning ceremony. To mark its formal induction, the national flag was hoisted at the bow, the MNDF flag at the stern, and the commissioning pennant on the main halyard. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup.

The acquisition of CGS Imaduddin is a direct result of diplomatic discussions with the Australian government, aligning with the President’s pledge to double the operational capacity of the Coast Guard to safeguard national sovereignty. The vessel, a brand-new addition to the fleet, was constructed by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, Australia, under the Australian Defence Cooperation Program.

Prior to the vessel’s arrival in the Maldives last month, members of the Maldives Coast Guard underwent intensive operational training in Australia. The MNDF emphasized that the commissioning of CGS Imaduddin represents a major advancement in monitoring Maldivian waters, curbing maritime crimes, and enhancing search and rescue capabilities across the region.