President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), today commissioned the Coast Guard vessel CGS Imaduddin, donated by the government of Australia in response to a request from the Government of the Maldives. The official commissioning ceremony was held this evening at the Hulhumalé International Terminal.
Upon his arrival, the President was received by Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, and Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas.
During the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu formally accepted the vessel on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives. As a gesture of the nation's appreciation, he presented a letter of gratitude to the government of Australia in recognition of its generous contribution before unveiling the vessel's name, CGS Imaduddin.
The President subsequently commissioned CGS Imaduddin into service with the MNDF Coast Guard. He presented the commissioning warrant and the National Flag of the Maldives to the vessel's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sinan Zahir. The vessel's crew then boarded CGS Imaduddin and conducted the traditional commissioning drill, formally marking the commencement of its operational service.
Following the ceremony, the President, accompanied by senior Australian representatives and senior officials from both countries, boarded CGS Imaduddin and received a briefing on the vessel's capabilities. A commemorative photograph was also taken on board.
The commissioning of CGS Imaduddin signifies a significant milestone in the Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of the MNDF Coast Guard and enhance the Maldives' capacity to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and maritime domain. Expanding the Coast Guard's ability to maintain a comprehensive presence across the nation's extensive maritime territory remains one of President Dr Muizzu's key priorities as Commander-in-Chief.
Donated under Australia's Defence Cooperation Programme, CGS Imaduddin symbolises the enduring friendship and close defence partnership between the Maldives and Australia. Constructed by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, Western Australia, the purpose-built patrol vessel is equipped to support a wide range of maritime security operations.
Prior to its delivery to the Maldives, MNDF Coast Guard personnel underwent specialised operational training and familiarisation exercises in Australia, ensuring the vessel's seamless integration into the Coast Guard fleet upon its arrival.
The commissioning of CGS Imaduddin significantly enhances the MNDF Coast Guard's capability to safeguard the Maldives' maritime territory, deter and respond to illicit activities at sea, and strengthen search and rescue operations. The vessel also reinforces the Maldives' contribution to promoting maritime security, safety and stability across the Indian Ocean while further strengthening the longstanding defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the Maldives and Australia.
