Upgrading Malé Commercial Harbour Essential to Drive National Trade, Says Minister
The modernisation of the Malé Commercial Harbour is a critical driver for the trade and economic development of the Maldives, according to Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
In a statement posted on social media, Minister Saeed underlined the strategic priority that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has placed on advancing the long-overdue port infrastructure project. Modernising the harbour to match contemporary economic demands will accelerate commercial activity and streamline national trade operations, the Minister noted.
Minister Saeed pointed out that although successive administrations evaluated transforming the harbour over many years, the nation’s primary commercial port has remained largely unchanged since its establishment, receiving only minor upgrades over time. He stated that President Muizzu took direct initiative to begin practical works on the facility while tackling broader economic headwinds facing the country.
Progress updates released by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) indicate that several key phases of the project are actively advancing across multiple sites. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc (MTCC) has completed construction of a 100-metre quay wall, while yard paving works are currently under way and slated for completion in early October.
MPL is preparing the newly developed zone for domestic port operations. Once finished, authorities plan to transfer domestic vessel cargo clearance operations from the central Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi. To accommodate this shift, teams are constructing temporary operational facilities in Thilafushi, including office spaces, a workshop, a canteen, a crew waiting area, and a mosque.
Concurrently, China Harbour Engineering Company is constructing a 375-metre quay wall for the international port, along with a portion of a two-kilometre domestic quay wall in Thilafushi. Land reclamation for an 820-metre section of quay wall has reached 40 per cent completion, with precast unit construction scheduled to start next month.
According to the project timeline outlined by MPL, contractors aim to complete work on the domestic quay wall by the end of November this year, whilst the international quay wall remains on track for completion by July 2027. Alongside physical civil works, MPL has initiated the procurement process for heavy operational equipment, including two ship-to-shore cranes and one mobile harbour crane, aiming for delivery to Malé before 15 October 2027. Selection processes for additional infrastructure development contractors in Thilafushi remain ongoing.
On 29 July 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed conviction that the Malé Commercial Harbour will successfully transfer to Thilafushi and attain full operational status by 11 November 2027, describing the upcoming port as an expansive, modern facility fitted with comprehensive equipment.
