MPL Consults Clearing Agents and Lorry Drivers on Commercial Port Relocation to Thilafushi

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has held a consultative meeting with clearing agents and lorry drivers as preparations continue for the relocation of the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi.

The meeting, held on Thursday at Hotel Jen, is part of MPL’s ongoing stakeholder engagement programme aimed at gathering input from businesses and professionals who will be directly involved in port operations following the relocation.

During the consultation, clearing agents and lorry drivers shared their views on the practical aspects of the transition, including ways to establish an efficient and streamlined cargo clearance system at the new port.

MPL said the feedback will help shape operational procedures at the Thilafushi port, with a focus on making cargo clearance, transportation and related processes more convenient and efficient for clearing agents and transport operators.

The company has previously held consultations with government ministries, relevant authorities, business owners, shipping and airline agents, and freight forwarders. MPL said further discussions with other stakeholder groups will be held as the project progresses.

The relocation of the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi is a major government project intended to address the long-standing space limitations at the existing port in Malé.

The new facility is being developed as a modern, multi-purpose port designed to international standards, with expanded capacity, upgraded infrastructure and technology aimed at improving cargo handling and logistics operations.

The planned facilities include a dedicated container terminal, container freight stations and multi-purpose terminals for different categories of cargo, including specialized facilities for perishable goods.

The port will also feature bonded warehouses and integrated logistics systems intended to streamline cargo handling, storage and distribution.

The relocation is a key economic commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Once operational, the Thilafushi port is expected to function as a full-scale, 24-hour commercial hub serving businesses and other stakeholders.

The new port is targeted to open on November 11, 2027, and is expected to significantly expand the Maldives’ cargo-handling capacity while modernizing the country’s trade and logistics infrastructure.