Marine vessels calling at the Male’ Commercial Harbour will be able to enter the port at any hour, ending a decades-long restriction on night-time access and changing how maritime traffic is handled in the capital.
The policy shift, announced by Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, allows ships to enter the port limit area 24 hours a day. The change takes effect on 26 January and applies to all vessels arriving at the harbour.
For more than three decades, ships reaching Male’ after midnight were required to remain outside the port area until 6.00 am before entry was permitted. Authorities say the restriction has become increasingly impractical as vessel movements to the Maldives have grown, prompting a review of existing procedures.
In a post on X, Minister Ameen said key services including clearance, pilotage, and security will now operate continuously, in line with international maritime practices. The decision received approval from Mohamed Muizzu, clearing the way for full implementation.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the updated access rules are expected to reduce waiting times and associated costs for vessels, while improving the overall reliability of the port. The ministry noted that smoother port operations could support trade activity and tourism-related logistics.
Officials also linked the move to wider efforts to modernise maritime operations and respond to the rising number of marine vessels visiting the Maldives, particularly as port activity in the Male’ area continues to intensify.
