Minister Saeed: Thilafushi Port to Cut Cargo Delays and Living Costs
2 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:07The Economic Minister stated that relocating the Male' Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi will resolve cargo clearance delays and lead to a reduction in commodity prices. While the first phase of the project is targeted for completion by November next year, operations are scheduled to commence at Thilafushi on the 28th of this month to provide immediate relief for the harbor's current capacity constraints.
Thilafushi Local Container Depot: Commercial port development underway across 10 hectares. | MPL
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the completion of the mega-project to relocate the Male’ Commercial Port to Thilafushi will lead to a reduction in the cost of living and ensure the availability of fresher food supplies.
The Minister made these remarks while speaking to the press during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Thilafushi on Thursday to inspect the progress of the commercial port relocation project.
Minister Saeed noted that one of the primary reasons for the exorbitant rise in the prices of certain commodities in the Maldives is the prolonged duration required to discharge cargo from vessels docked at the Male' Commercial Harbor. He highlighted that while it currently takes between 7 to 14 days to unload goods, the opening of the Thilafushi Port will enable the entire process to be completed within a single day.
The ultimate result of this initiative will be a significant reduction in the cost of living for ordinary citizens in their households. Food supplies, vegetables, and various other commodities can now be imported via vessels and unloaded immediately while maintaining their freshness.Mohamed Saeed
Highlighting that local businesses stand to benefit the most from this project, the Minister stated that resolving the long-standing challenges in offloading imported goods has been a top priority for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu since his first day in office. Furthermore, he noted that upon the project's completion, the Atoll shops and warehouses currently operating in the Male' market will be relocated to Thilafushi, where dedicated free zones will also be established.
Saeed stated that the government aims to complete the first phase of the project and officially inaugurate Thilafushi Port on November 11 next year. The entire project is scheduled for full completion by November 2028.
However, in an effort to find an immediate solution to the space constraints and resource limitations at the Male' Commercial Harbor, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has decided to commence port operations in Thilafushi on the 28th of this month.
As part of the project to relocate the commercial port to Thilafushi, the first 100 meters of the quay wall dedicated to domestic vessels has been fully completed. Additionally, approximately 40 percent of the backfilling work for the reclaimed area of the domestic quay wall has now been finished.
