Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has successfully completed its first trial operation of berthing a vessel at the quay wall in Thilafushi and loading empty containers.
The initiative was part of MPL’s efforts to address operational challenges caused by space constraints at the Male’ Commercial Harbour. During the trial, 394 TEUs of empty containers were loaded onto MSS Galena of Maldives State Shipping (MSS) within 20 operational hours.
MPL noted that unloading goods and reloading empty containers to vessels at Male’ Commercial Harbour currently takes a number of days. However, the empty container depot at Thilafushi will significantly reduce the time ships spend in port and improve operations at the commercial harbour.
The depot includes a 60-metre quay wall and has a capacity of 3,000 TEUs for storing, cleaning and repairing empty containers. The facility is intended as a temporary solution until the new international commercial harbour being established at Thilafushi is completed and operational.
Delivering the Presidential Statement at the opening session of the Parliament this year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the Male’ Commercial Harbour will be relocated to Thilafushi by November next year. The government expects the relocation to reduce container clearance times to 48 hours, lower import-related costs, and contribute to lower prices of goods for consumers.