Japan donates five speedboats to boost Maldives police’s marine fleet

The Japanese government has donated five speedboats to the Maldives Police Service to help the law enforcement agency enhance its marine fleet.

The vessels were handed over by Japanese Ambassador Ishigami Rumiko to Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen during the official commissioning ceremony held on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Naveen thanked Japan for its generous support to the Maldives over the years.

He said that the new additions to the police’s fleet will significantly boost its marine capabilities, boost the country’s capacity to enforce maritime laws, ascertain the safety and security of island communities, and boost the speed and capacity of the force’s emergency response.

Reflecting on the long history of friendly relations between Male’ and Tokyo, Naveen thanked Japan for its enduring support towards the police in its efforts to maintain safety and security in the Maldives.

???? Highlights from the official commissioning ceremony of vessels granted by the Government of Japan to the Maldives Police Service. pic.twitter.com/WxOmmiQMzG

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) August 18, 2025

Naveen provided assurance the police will make good use of the speedboats for the welfare of the people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ishigami expressed hopes the speedboats will help the Maldives police to boost its capabilities to address maritime challenges.

This donation represents Japan’s commitment to helping the Maldives police boost its capabilities and ensure the safety of Maldivian people, she said.

Highlighting on the expansion of tourism and the increase in airports across the Maldives, Ishigami noted the need for the police to have high-speed vessels for faster response.

She also expressed hopes the speedboats will help the police expand services nationwide.

The latest donation by Japan to Maldives police follows a donation of 54 cars and four cars back in 2024. The country has also donated additional vehicles and vessels, drug and precursor field test kits, Raman handheld field identification kits, and other resources over the years.