The first phase of development of the main business port of Maldives has been assigned to the international company, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.
At a special ceremony held today, the agreement was signed by the Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Mohamed Rishwan and the Country Manager for Maldives at China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, Mr Mao Bao.
Speaking at the ceremony, MPL Managing Director Mohamed Rishwan said that today is a historic day, as the business and economy sectors have made considerable progress, as highlighted by the President. He added that this has been a dream for MPL for the past 40 years’ time.
As part of this initiative, the five-hectare port will be expanded to 20 hectares, MPL has detailed. Furthermore, 650m of quay wall and 125m of roadside jetty will be established, along with a bonded warehouse, an X-Ray facility and other automated services.
The company has estimated that goods clearance will be sped up from 5 days to 48 hrs. This port has been designed for continuous use up to 30 yrs, providing ease for businesses. Moreover, the Male’ business port location is set to be transferred to Thilafushi, clearing out the currently used Maafannu area in Male’ for other purposes.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that this migration will be carried out in November 2027. The company has said that this will solve the capacity issues currently plaguing Male’, Hulhumale’ business port and T-Jetty.
MPL has stated that the designing phase is currently ongoing, with practical work to commence after finalisation.