Government Rejects Claims of Favouritism in Thilafushi Port Development

The Government has rejected claims that it favoured one foreign partner over another in awarding the Thilafushi International Port project, stressing that the decision was made through established government procedures and in accordance with Maldivian law.

The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade issued the clarification on Wednesday following recent media reports suggesting that the Government had preferred one foreign country over another in the development of the new port.

According to the Ministry, the project was awarded based on the Maldives’ long-term development priorities and was not intended to signal a change in the country’s relations with any international partner.

“The Thilafushi port serves the Maldivian people and the nation’s long-term prosperity,” Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed said. He added that the awarding of the project should not be interpreted as a statement against any of the Maldives’ international partners.

The Ministry also strongly reaffirmed that the development, ownership and operation of the port will remain under the control of the Maldivian Government, stressing that national sovereignty will not be compromised.

“No partner, past or present, holds any claim over Maldivian infrastructure decisions beyond what the law and the national interest permit,” the Ministry said.

The Thilafushi port is being developed as part of the Government’s plan to relocate major commercial port operations from congested Malé to Thilafushi.

The Ministry has described the project as a flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at modernising the country’s maritime trade infrastructure, easing congestion in the capital and strengthening national supply-chain capacity. The new port is planned to include an international seaport, facilities for atoll and resort cargo, warehousing and trading areas.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has been progressing with several components of the project. The first phase was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), while other components, including keywall and paving works, have also been contracted separately.

Government procurement documents describe the planned Thilafushi development as an integrated port estate comprising a deep-water container terminal, multi-purpose and domestic cargo terminals, warehousing, logistics zones and bonded facilities.

The project is targeted for completion in November 2027, according to the Economic Ministry.

The choice of Thilafushi also represents a change from earlier plans to develop the new commercial port at Gulhifalhu. The island is already designated as a major industrial area, allowing heavy cargo and port-related activities to be shifted away from Malé’s densely populated urban centre.