The Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is set to reduce the free storage period for containers at the Malé commercial port, a move aimed at easing congestion in the limited space available, according to MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim. Wajeeh announced the upcoming changes during a ceremony to welcome the arrival of MSC Manasa F, a cargo ship operated by MSC, the world’s largest shipping line.
Wajeeh noted that the port currently has the capacity to accommodate 2,200 containers at a time, and with limited resources, it has become necessary to optimise the available space. He highlighted the challenges faced by the port, particularly when a recent ship could not unload 120 containers due to a lack of storage space.
To address the issue, the free storage period for dry containers will be reduced to seven days, while the storage period for other containers will be shortened to five days. At present, all types of containers can be stored at the port for up to 10 days without charge. Wajeeh emphasised that this adjustment is crucial for making more room at the port and called on traders and importers to cooperate with the new measures.
MSC Manasa F, which docked in Malé today, was welcomed with a water salute from MPL. The captain of the ship was presented with a plaque on behalf of MPL and Centurion, the logistics company that facilitated the ship’s arrival. The vessel carried 800 containers of general cargo, illustrating the busy operations at the Malé port.
