Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced the commencement of the Gulhifalhu Reclamation Project, as part of the government’s strategy to relocate the Male’ Commercial Harbour to Gulhifalhu. The government has allocated USD 62 million for the reclamation of Gulhifalhu to develop the main seaport.
According to MPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahid Ali, the project to relocate the Male’ Commercial Harbour is making rapid progress, with land reclamation preparations already underway. A dredger has been brought in to reclaim the remaining area, while four pre-qualified companies is set to be assigned the project upon completion of the land reclamation. The Male’ Commercial Harbour will be transferred to Gulhifalhu and resume its activities within two years. Shahid emphasized that the project is essential as it will significantly increase the port’s capacity and enhance logistics operations.
MPL acknowledged that the lack of space is a major obstacle to port operations and has made it a top priority to implement solutions. Consequently, MPL intends to construct a bulk terminal in Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll, to store rock boulders and metal. Furthermore, the company revealed that its operations are overcapacity by three times, handling 130,000 containers per year in an area that can only hold 50,000 containers.
