MPL to be summoned to Parliament over vessel owners' losses due to North Harbor conditions
Complaints are mounting over the Maldives Ports Limited’s (MPL) new queuing system at the Male’ North Harbor, which has forced island-bound cargo vessels to wait up to 15 days to dock, significantly reducing the frequency of trips. This delay is causing substantial financial losses for vessel owners and disrupting the supply of goods to the atolls, prompting the Member of Parliament for Galolhu North to request that MPL officials be summoned before a parliamentary committee to find an urgent solution. Furthermore, the MP highlighted concerns regarding the lack of adequate services provided at the harbor despite the fees being charged.
Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency speaking in parliament. | Majilis
A request has been submitted to summon Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to Parliament regarding the challenges faced by inter-island cargo vessels following the implementation of new regulations at the Male' North Harbor.
The issue was formally submitted by Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), the Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency. In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the MP stated that he has been receiving numerous complaints regarding the new regulations implemented by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) for the use of North Harbor. The letter highlighted that these new procedures are posing significant challenges for vessels transporting goods to the atolls.
The letter noted that under the current procedures established by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), vessels are required to wait between 10 to 15 days after obtaining a queue number to dock. Stakeholders highlighted that this delay has significantly reduced operational efficiency, with vessels that previously made two to three trips a month now limited to just one.
The member stated that this is causing significant financial losses to vessel owners and is also disrupting the supply of goods to the islands.
The letter stated that vessel owners are raising concerns over limited docking space due to the Malé ring road expansion project. They further noted that despite paying high fees in certain zones, they are still deprived of essential services such as water and electricity.
The Member highlighted that this policy has led to a reduction in trips, particularly for vessels operating in atolls near Malé. This has exacerbated financial challenges, making it increasingly difficult for operators to cover essential costs, such as staff wages and fuel expenses.
The Member stated that vessel owners utilizing North Harbor are calling for reforms to the current queuing system to alleviate the logistical challenges they face in cargo transportation. Emphasizing that this issue directly impacts the daily lives of the public, the Member requested the relevant parliamentary committee to summon the leadership of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to expedite a resolution to the matter.
