The planned relocation of Malé’s commercial harbour to Thilafushi is expected to significantly improve cargo handling and expand the Maldives’ trade capacity, with the Government targeting the start of commercial operations by November 2027. The development is designed to strengthen logistics infrastructure, improve productivity and support new opportunities for business growth.
The new port’s international container quay is projected to reduce vessel loading and unloading times to approximately two days, compared with the seven to 14 days currently required at Malé Commercial Harbour. Faster handling could ease delays for importers and help businesses plan shipments and inventory with greater certainty.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the construction site to review progress and receive a briefing from Maldives Ports Limited officials. MPL Chief Executive Officer Captain Hussain Shafeeq welcomed the President, who inspected the ongoing development and discussed preparations for the port’s opening.
Speaking to local media during the visit, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the project’s potential to support economic growth through improved productivity, increased trade capacity and opportunities for business development. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to commencing commercial operations by the November 2027 target.
The 60-hectare port will initially have the capacity to handle 390,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, annually. Upon completion of the full development, annual capacity is expected to reach 1.8 million TEUs, providing substantial room for future growth in cargo volumes.
This phased expansion would give the Maldives a larger platform for managing international trade. For businesses dependent on imported goods, increased handling capacity and shorter vessel turnaround times could contribute to more efficient supply chains. The benefits will depend on the delivery of the planned infrastructure, equipment and operating arrangements.
Plans include a 375-metre international container quay with a depth of 14.6 metres to accommodate international container vessels. The quay is designed for extension to 1.4 kilometres as development progresses, allowing the port’s infrastructure to grow alongside its handling capacity.
A separate domestic quay will extend approximately two kilometres, providing dedicated infrastructure for domestic cargo movements. Together, the international and domestic facilities are intended to support the movement of goods into the country and onward through its island economy.
At opening, the port is expected to operate with two ship-to-shore quay cranes and one mobile harbour crane. These planned equipment additions form an important part of the port’s preparations to deliver faster and more efficient cargo handling.
Construction has completed the first 100 metres of the inner harbour quay wall, with approximately 40 per cent of its backfilling also finished. Land levelling and road construction remain under way, alongside the production of precast concrete blocks and procurement of machinery and equipment.
Preparations are also progressing for the terminal buildings, with a contractor being selected to undertake their construction. These parallel workstreams reflect the range of civil works, facilities and equipment needed to bring the new port into commercial service.
President Dr Muizzu attributed the progress achieved to coordination between Government institutions and external partners. He thanked the ministries, companies and staff involved, acknowledging their contribution to advancing the development.
The Thilafushi port project represents a substantial investment in the infrastructure supporting the Maldives’ import-dependent economy. With commercial operations targeted for November 2027, its planned combination of faster cargo handling, expanded capacity and dedicated domestic facilities offers a foundation for stronger trade connectivity and long-term business development.
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