Phase one of the long-planned relocation of the congested Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi is underway. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) confirms completion by 11 November 2027.
MPL Manager of Business Development Mohamed Aiman stated that the project is proceeding in phases as part of a master plan to expand capacity and improve efficiency.
The first phase includes developing an international quay, a container terminal, a domestic terminal, and a general cargo terminal. The design of the terminal and quay has been contracted and is expected to be finalised within six months, followed by five months of quay construction.
Geotechnical survey activities are currently underway as part of the design process. The design and survey work is being carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which was awarded the project earlier this year.
Once completed, the new terminal will increase capacity at Thilafushi to 300,000 TEUs annually, up from 135,000 TEUs in 2025. The project is expected to significantly reduce vessel turnaround time, from the current 15 days to one month, to just 48 hours.
Total cost of phase one is estimated at USD 150 million and will be developed on a 20-hectare plot of land acquired by MPL. A bonded warehouse will also be established upon full completion of the relocation project.
The existing Malé Commercial Harbour, developed and relocated to its present site on 15 September 1986, has been operating beyond capacity for years, underscoring the need for the relocation.
