11 July 2013
Maldives
The Bank of Maldives is calling on potential investors for an expression of interest (EOI) to acquire a tuna processing plant in the Republic of Maldives and invites eligible investors, local or foreign to submit an EOI.
The raw and frozen tuna loin processing plant is located at Funaddoo Island in Thaa Atoll and can be acquired along with the lease of the island and all associated fishing rights in zone 3 and 4 of the Maldives.
Due to the complex nature of the asset being sold, the bank has reviewed the previous process set out and does not feel that sufficient submission time was given, and therefore more time has now been provided for the sale of the plant that is currently owned by BML Investments Private Limited, a subsidiary company of Bank of Maldives PLC.
The process of EOI submission, including the letter of application and documents providing proof of financial capacity can be found by following the ‘Bank of Maldives’ link on the atuna.com homepage, which also includes details of an information session to be held at the bank on July 18. Parties that are unable to attend the session can contact the Bank of Maldives for further information.
The tuna processing facility includes a cold storage room of surface area 1944 m², consisting of three cold processing rooms, two blast freezers, a control panel room and spacious passages allowing for the movement of large cases or trolleys.
There is also an ice plant in the facility which has a surface area of 60 m², and allows for the preparation of ice flakes with a 25 ton capacity. A power house with generators is also included within the plant which in size is 384.86 square meters. A desalination plant is part of the island complex, as well as office building which is included in the sale.
The Bank of Maldives will be showing full photos of the facility and equipment during the information session on July 18 at its head office.
Funaddoo Island, where the raw and frozen tuna processing plant is located, lies within the geographical boundaries of Thaa Atoll of the Maldives. The nearest airport is in Kadhdhoo Island of Laamu Atoll which take around one hour by speedboat, and 35-45 minutes by air to Male’ International Airport.
Male’ International Airport can also be reached directly from Funaddoo Island, taking six and a half hours by speed boat. Construction of a new airport is currently ongoing in Thaa Atoll Thimarafushi, which is the closest inhabited Island to Funaddoo.
