Maldives Ports Limited’s managing director Shahid Ali states that the company is hopeful to commence official works of the new commercial harbor at Thilafushi in 2019.
The company’s managing director claimed they require immediate solution for the lack of space at Male’ commercial harbor.
“Our plan is to shift the container terminal from Male’ commercial harbor to Thilafushi. There is no way (Male’) harbor can be extended,” Mr. Shahid Ali said.
In addition to this MPL’s managing director further said the company envisions to shift the commercial harbor completely to Thilafushi for the next 20 to 25 years and manage a more convenient operation.
Currently it takes about 10 days for goods to be cleared from the commercial harbor and transported to the vendors, according to local businesses. Some businessmen claim that it takes even longer at times to clear their goods and often face severe demurrage charges.
Additionally, many local businesses and businessmen coincide the goods imported will have lower retail prices if they are cleared within a three-day period.