The National shipping line, under the name of Maldivian Nationals Trading Corporation (Ceylon) Limited, started its ship owning and management operations in 1948 when it purchased its first general cargo vessel of 1,500 dwt tons named ‘Maldive Star’.  This vessel served the Burma, India, Colombo – Malé route mainly transporting essential goods to the Maldives while trading in the region.  With the purchase of ‘Maldive Crescent’ in 1959, new sectors were opened.

Over the next two decades, the national shipping fleet expanded rapidly, not only providing the essential transport to Maldives but it also entered the international shipping scene. Ships flying the Maldivian flag were tramping between Sri Lanka, India, Burma to countries of the Middle East, gradually extending the shipping service to Adriatic, Mediterranean region, Africa and the Far East, picking on the opportunities in the tramping market.

The success of the development of the national shipping line can be attributed to the wisdom, entrepreneurial skills and tireless hard work of its founders, and many committed hard working and skilful seafaring Maldivians who were able to operate the vessels efficiently and economically. In the world of shipping Maldivian seamen are known for their hard work, discipline and competency – and were the children mothered by the Maldivian National Shipping Line. As a diverse employment source, the shipping line began its human resource development program in 1960. Today Maldivian seaman and officers are well respected and sought after in the shipping community.

With the change in times, Maldives National Shipping Limited (MNSL), as it is known now was incorporated on 1 June 1999, primarily for servicing the Maldives, and with an aim to provide shipping and shipping related services to the Maldives. The company was formed under presidential decree No: 127/1999 on 1st June 1999.