The Maldivian government has announced plans to relocate several services from the Malé Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi starting this October. The move is part of a strategic initiative to modernize the nation’s maritime infrastructure and alleviate congestion in the capital.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, disclosed the timeline during a site inspection at Thilafushi yesterday. Speaking on the progress, the Minister noted that while the 40-year-old Malé port has long faced operational challenges, previous administrations failed to take sufficient action. He highlighted that under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the project is moving at a rapid pace, with revolutionary changes expected by November next year.

Providing technical details on the transition, Hussain Shafeeq, Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), confirmed that a 100-meter quay wall is scheduled for completion by October. Furthermore, an 80-meter barge will be utilized to facilitate container clearing and vessel loading at the new site. Shafeeq assured that arrangements are being made to ensure that goods destined for Malé and Hulhumalé are cleared within 24 hours, with operations running concurrently at both locations from October onwards.

The government’s ultimate objective is to transfer 80 percent of Malé Commercial Harbor’s operations to Thilafushi. During the site visit, senior MPL officials and representatives from major importing companies were briefed on the project’s progress and the upcoming operational shifts intended to streamline trade logistics in the Maldives.