MoU signed to switch over from HCFC based air-conditioning technologies to HCFC free alternatives in fisheries sector

The Ministry of Environment and Energy and Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understating to assist the fishing industry in Maldives to switch over from HCFC based Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) technologies to HCFC free alternatives that are Ozone and Climate friendly.

Under the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan, the assistance includes providing retrofit incentive support for fishing industries for conversion to HCFC free alternatives, development of retrofit procedure for converting HCFC based equipment to alternative technologies, development of retrofit manual for retrofitting HCFC based equipment with alternatives and training manual for good servicing practices for minimizing HCFC use in RAC equipment. Training support for identified owners and service providers of RAC equipment in fishing industry on Good Servicing Practices and Retrofit Options.

Given the high HCFC consumption in fisheries sector and the importance of fisheries to Maldives’ economy in terms of employment and income levels, support for HCFC phase-out for this industry is accorded highest priority by Government and prioritized assistance needs to be provided to assist HCFC consumers in this industry in converting to HCFC free alternatives in a cost effective manner.

Minister of State for Environment and Energy, Abdul Matheen Mohamed signed the MOU on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Ahmed Shafeeu, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture signed on behalf of the Minsitry of Fisheries and Agriculture, in a ceremony held at Ministry of Environment and Energy yesterday.