Thilafushi Harbour Development : MPL Engages Foreign Firms

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim announced that the decision on which party will develop the new commercial harbour at Thilafushi has not yet been made. However, discussions are actively underway with three prominent international companies.
MPL is currently in talks with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) from China, Dubai Port World from the UAE, and International Container Terminal Services (ICTS) from the Philippines. These companies are being considered for the significant harbour development project.
Wajeeh emphasized that the operation of the harbour will remain under MPL’s control. "The harbour will be operated by MPL. No discussion has been made to hand over harbour operation to any party," he said.
The objective is to finalize the selection process by next month and proceed with signing agreements. The companies are currently in the phase of proposing their conditions for the project.
The relocation of the commercial harbour from the capital city, Male', to Thilafushi is a strategic move by the current administration. Approximately 100 hectares of land are being reclaimed for this purpose. The previous administration under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had reclaimed 20 hectares specifically for MPL's use.
The plan involves allocating 20 hectares for port services, with an additional 80 hectares being reclaimed. This extensive project is being carried out on a contractor finance basis, and the design of the facility is in the finalization stage.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration is targeting to complete the relocation of the harbour to Thilafushi by 2026 and commence operations. The development is expected to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Maldives' commercial harbour facilities, significantly benefiting the country's logistics and trade sectors.
The relocation project marks a significant infrastructure development for the Maldives, aiming to decongest the current harbour in Male' and improve overall operations. The involvement of renowned international firms highlights the project's scale and importance. Once completed, the Thilafushi harbour is expected to become a critical hub for the Maldives, supporting the nation's growing trade and commerce needs.
The discussions with CHEC, Dubai Port World, and ICTS reflect the administration’s commitment to partnering with experienced global players to ensure the harbour meets international standards. This move is anticipated to bring in advanced technology and operational expertise, boosting the overall efficiency and capacity of the Maldives' port infrastructure.
As the decision process progresses, stakeholders and the public await the final announcement, which will set the stage for one of the most significant infrastructure projects in recent Maldivian history. The successful development and operation of the Thilafushi harbour are poised to play a pivotal role in the country's economic growth and development.