The Government of Maldives has issued a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) inviting qualified and reputable investors to engage in a consultative dialogue for the proposed Laamu Fonadhoo Port and Bunkering Project. Positioned near the One-and-a-Half Degree Channel, a major maritime route in the central Indian Ocean, the initiative is seen as a strategic effort to tap into regional maritime traffic and boost the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The project aims to develop a multi-purpose port with supporting bunkering and marine services infrastructure, including deepwater berths, fuel storage facilities, and service quays designed to support cargo, tanker, and service vessels. Although still at the consultation stage, the proposed components suggest an expansive vision that could integrate logistics hubs, vessel repair services, and yacht support infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the current REOI is not a call for bids but a preliminary step to gauge private sector interest and collect feedback on the commercial viability of the project. The consultation will help shape suitable business models, such as public-private partnerships, build-operate-transfer schemes, or concession agreements.
Investors expressing interest will be invited to present insights and feedback in structured consultation sessions. These sessions aim to refine the project’s scope, assess potential development options, and discuss structuring models. Input from stakeholders will be reviewed alongside independent advisory assessments commissioned by the government to evaluate financial feasibility and implementation strategies.
Submissions are open until 7 August 2025 and must be sent electronically in PDF format to the Ministry’s designated email. Interested parties are required to include company profiles, previous experience with similar infrastructure projects, proposed scopes, and any concerns or suggestions regarding the project’s design or structure.
The Laamu Fonadhoo initiative is part of broader national efforts to leverage the Maldives’ geographic position and enhance its role in international maritime trade.
