Saturday
15th Aug 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: MPL
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has held discussions with clearing agents and lorry drivers as part of preparations for the planned relocation of the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi.
The meeting, held at Hotel Jen in Malé, was part of MPL’s ongoing consultations with stakeholders involved in the development and future operations of the Thilafushi port.
According to MPL, the primary purpose of the meeting was to understand the needs and concerns of clearing agents and lorry drivers, who will be among the key stakeholders operating at the new port. Participants exchanged views on establishing an efficient system at Thilafushi that would allow cargo to be cleared as quickly as possible.
MPL said its objective is to design port operations in a way that makes the process as convenient and efficient as possible for these stakeholders.
The relocation of the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi is a key economic initiative of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. The government has said the project is intended to address the space constraints at the existing harbour while supporting the expansion of the Maldivian economy.
The new Thilafushi facility is planned as a modern, multi-purpose port meeting international standards and incorporating contemporary technology and infrastructure. Plans include a modern container terminal, multi-purpose terminals, cold-storage facilities for perishable goods and bonded warehouses.
MPL has also said the new port will provide an integrated logistics system capable of operating around the clock.
The government has set November 11, 2027 as the target date for the full relocation of the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi. President Muizzu announced the date during his 2026 Presidential Address, stating that the relocation is expected to significantly improve cargo-handling efficiency.
The government has said cargo vessels that currently require several days to unload at the Malé Commercial Harbour could have their cargo unloaded within 48 hours once the new facility is operational. The relocation is also expected to reduce congestion around the existing harbour and facilitate more efficient cargo distribution.
MPL said it has already held consultations on the project with government ministries, businesses, shipping agents and freight forwarders, in addition to the latest discussions with clearing agents and lorry drivers.
Recent developments indicate that work on the Thilafushi port project is progressing, with MPL awarding contracts for quay-wall construction as part of the broader relocation project.