MTCC: Public Operators Granted Access to Henveiru and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminals

To enhance maritime transport and passenger convenience in the Maldives, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced the opening of Henveiru Ferry Terminal and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal for public ferry operators. The decision follows a directive from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, marking a strategic effort to ease congestion and improve accessibility for travelers.
Male’ City’s harbors serve as the busiest docking points in the nation, accommodating hundreds of vessels daily. However, limited docking space has long posed challenges for ferry operators and passengers, particularly during peak travel periods such as school holidays and major public holidays. The overcrowding often results in vessels being moored behind one another, creating difficulties for passengers, especially the elderly and individuals with disabilities, when boarding or disembarking. Moreover, the congestion presents safety risks and operational inefficiencies for ferry and launch operators.
Recognizing these challenges, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu directed MTCC to open the two ferry terminals for public use, allowing private speedboat operators traveling between Male’ and the atolls to utilize the space. This initiative is expected to significantly alleviate pressure on the existing docking points, enhance passenger safety, and reduce traffic congestion in the surrounding waters.
MTCC has invited interested ferry operators to express their interest via email at [email protected] by 2:00 PM on March 10, 2025. The company has also made further information available upon request for those interested in accessing the terminals.
Previously, the Henveiru and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminals were primarily dedicated to ferry services between Male’ and Hulhumale’. However, with the opening of the Sinamale Bridge, passenger demand for these routes saw a notable decline. Since then, the terminals have been primarily used for ferry services to destinations such as Crossroads and Kudagiri.
Currently, speedboat ferries traveling between Male’ and the atolls rely on multiple jetties along the northern side of Male’ and the southern harbor. With the introduction of this new policy, ferry operators will have increased flexibility in docking, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and convenience of maritime transport within the Maldives.
This initiative is poised to improve the travel experience for both residents and tourists, reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure and ensuring seamless connectivity between the capital and the atolls.