President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the relocation of the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi will be completed by November 2027. In his Presidential Address at the opening session of Parliament, he described the initiative as a comprehensive infrastructure project advancing through defined strategic stages, noting that the first phase is already under way at speed.
The president confirmed that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) will award the contract for the project’s most critical initial component, a 125‑metre international quay wall, on 5 February. He added that contracts covering the domestic port’s relocation requirements, including the construction of a two‑kilometre quay wall, paving works, building construction, and the procurement of essential equipment, are scheduled to be awarded by mid‑year. Once these works are completed, commercial port operations in the capital will formally transfer to Thilafushi on 11 November 2027.
President Muizzu noted that the transition is expected to deliver significant operational efficiencies and economic relief for the country. He underscored that modernisation of port services would sharply reduce logistical delays.
“With this transition and the commencement of port services, vessels that currently require seven days to unload will be cleared within 48 hours, while the duration for keeping goods at the port will be extended, thereby reducing the expenditures associated with importing goods to the country,” President Muizzu said.
“With all these changes, the price of goods will be reduced, and the benefits will be realised by the citizens,” he assured. “Furthermore, the opportunity to warehouse goods in Thilafushi rather than Malé will become available, facilitating the complete transfer of the wholesale trade currently conducted in the Malé market area to the new location.”
Beyond the economic impact, the president highlighted the civic benefits of the relocation, particularly in easing chronic congestion in Malé. He explained that the new facility will allow cargo vessels to dock with greater ease, reducing waiting times for loading and unloading, and thereby accelerating the transport of goods to the outer atolls.
The initiative also seeks to resolve challenges created by the current necessity of warehousing goods across residential areas of the capital. Once the transfer is complete, President Muizzu asserted, the congested market and MPL areas in Malé will experience significant relief, creating a city environment more accessible and navigable for both vehicles and pedestrians.