The government has outlined plans to expand fish processing, ice production and cold storage capacity across the Maldives, signalling a renewed effort to address long-standing supply constraints faced by fishermen.
At a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said a yellowfin tuna processing factory will be developed in Hulhumalé as part of efforts to respond to demands from fishermen seeking improved purchasing and processing arrangements. According to the Minister, the facility will allow yellowfin tuna to be purchased and processed directly in Hulhumalé, reducing logistical bottlenecks for vessels operating near the capital.
A 25,000 square foot plot has been allocated along the Hulhumalé port area for the project. The government intends to award the project under contract financing in the first week after Ramadan, when offices reopen, with the aim of completing construction and commencing operations within the year.
In parallel, the previously idle Kandu-oiy Giri facility is set to resume operations. From January 2026, yellowfin tuna weighing over 15 kilograms will be purchased through the facility. The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has earlier stated that yellowfin tuna within the Malé region will be bought at a rate of MVR 25 per kilogram, and that skipjack tuna will also be procured.
MIFCO’s Chief Executive Officer Farhath Shaheer has indicated that the reopening of Kandu-oiy Giri marks the initial phase of a broader support programme for fishermen, which is expected to include cold storage services, ice supply and fuel access.
Beyond processing facilities, the Ministry is also seeking to address one of the most persistent operational challenges in the fisheries sector: access to ice. Minister Shiyam said the objective is to complete and operationalise ongoing ice plant projects within the current year. Financing for these projects is being sourced from both the Saudi Fund for Development and the national budget.
Ice plants in six islands have already been brought into operation, providing additional support for fishermen in northern regions and in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Physical works are underway on nine additional plants across Laamu, Meemu, Lhaviyani, Shaviyani and Dhaalu atolls, with projects at varying stages of development.
Five of the planned ice plants are being financed specifically through the Saudi Fund arrangement. Overall, the government aims to complete construction of 23 ice plants and bring them into full operation this year.
Cold storage expansion forms another component of the strategy. Current national cold storage capacity stands at 9,500 metric tons. The government has set a target of increasing this to 25,000 metric tons. Expansion works are underway in Kooddoo and Felivaru to add 4,000 metric tons of capacity, while Thinadhoo and Mulah will see increases of 1,000 metric tons and 500 metric tons respectively. Additional facilities are planned in Hulhumeedhoo and Hirilandhoo, alongside further capacity at Ihavandhoo and Kanduoiygiri.
Taken together, the planned processing plant, ice facilities and storage expansions indicate a coordinated attempt to strengthen onshore infrastructure supporting the fisheries sector. Whether these timelines are met will determine the extent to which the measures translate into sustained operational relief for fishermen, particularly during peak fishing seasons.
