Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has cleared cargo from 1,594 containers in a single week, with eggs and onions among the main essential food items handled during the period.
According to statistics released by MPL, a total of 1,594 consignments were cleared between 4 and 10 October. These included 1,223 containers carried by container vessels and 371 consignments transported by general cargo vessels.
During the same period, MPL cleared a total of 44,181.43 freight tonnes of cargo. Container vessels accounted for 40,672.84 freight tonnes, while general cargo vessels carried 3,508.59 freight tonnes.
MPL's statistics also show that 1,932 containers were unloaded and 1,514 containers were loaded, bringing the total number of container-handling operations to 3,446.
During the week, 51,751 packages of perishable goods, including fruits and vegetables, were also cleared.
Among the essential food items cleared in the largest quantities were 15,692 cases of eggs, 10,410 sacks of onions, 5,977 cases of pumpkin, 4,563 sacks of potatoes and 3,077 cases of tomatoes.
The Government is accelerating efforts to relocate the Maldives' commercial port to Thilafushi, with the aim of officially opening the new port on 11 November next year. The relocation is expected to further improve the speed and efficiency of MPL's operations.
During the past week, five vessels arrived at Malé Commercial Harbour, comprising two container vessels and three general cargo vessels. A total of nine vessels departed the harbour, including three container vessels and six general cargo vessels.