President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has identified the relocation of the Malé and Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi as the government’s largest and highest-priority development project, describing the initiative as a major investment expected to significantly strengthen the Maldivian economy.
Speaking on The Pulse podcast series, President Muizzu said work on the project is progressing with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, with the government targeting November 11 next year for the opening of the new facility.
The relocation of the country’s main commercial port is one of the administration’s key economic commitments and is expected to address the longstanding capacity and space limitations affecting the existing commercial harbour in Malé.
The government expects the development of a larger and more modern port at Thilafushi to strengthen the country’s logistics infrastructure and improve the efficiency of cargo handling and other port-related services.
The new facility is planned as a modern, multi-purpose commercial port built to international standards, with infrastructure designed to accommodate future developments in shipping, trade and logistics.
Plans for the project include the development of a modern container terminal alongside multi-purpose terminal facilities, allowing the port to handle different categories of cargo and commercial operations.
Cold-storage facilities will also be established for perishable imports and other temperature-sensitive goods, while bonded warehouse facilities are expected to support businesses involved in importing, storing and distributing merchandize.
The development is also intended to support a more integrated national logistics network capable of providing uninterrupted services around the clock.
As an import-dependent economy, improvements to port capacity and cargo-handling efficiency could have wider implications for businesses operating across the Maldives, particularly companies involved in wholesale and retail trade, construction, food distribution, shipping and logistics.
The Thilafushi development is therefore expected to serve not only as a replacement for the existing Malé Commercial Harbour but also as a major expansion of the country’s trade and logistics infrastructure, providing additional capacity to support future economic and commercial growth.