The government is seeking a permanent solution to ease congestion at the Male’ Commercial Harbour, while relocating some port operations to Thilafushi as a temporary measure.
The announcement was made in a social media post by the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, regarding four successful trial operations conducted in Thilafushi to load empty containers to vessels .
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has been undertaking significant efforts to ease port congestion and operational challenges at the Male’ Commercial Harbour, and improve services.
In his post, Minister Saeed said the long-standing congestion problem at the commercial port has affected the unloading of goods and remained unresolved under previous governments. He said the government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is seeking a permanent solution for the issue.
According to the minister, the government is working hard to fully relocate commercial harbour operations to Thilafushi by November 2027, as pledged by President Muizzu in his Presidential Address for the year. Several temporary measures have already been introduced to reduce congestion, including using Thilafushi for empty container operations, while a permanent solution is being developed, he said.
MPL conducted its first trial operation to load empty containers to vessels berthed at the quay wall developed in Thilafushi on 3 May. The latest operation saw 372 TEU containers loaded onto MV Celestia in less than 24 hours. MV Celestia is the fourth vessel to successfully berth at Thilafushi.
Thilafushi has become a dedicated depot for storing, cleaning, and repairing empty containers, with a capacity of 3,000 TEUs. MPL said the arrangement will provide temporary relief for traders and shipping companies until the new commercial port is completed.