More than 2,500 containers of goods delayed in Sri Lanka are expected to arrive in Maldives next week, according to Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office yesterday, Minister Saeed said the shipments, equivalent to over 2,500 TEUs would be delivered in three vessels.

Quoting Maldives Ports Limited, he said the arrivals are expected to significantly ease delays in the supply of goods.

“There is a clogging that has come up because of a number of issues,” he said, adding that efforts are under way to speed up cargo handling and delivery.

Minister Saeed said congestion has been compounded by changes in shipping routes, with cargo often offloaded and regrouped at Sri Lankan ports before being sent onward.

Due to limited capacity at Male’ Commercial Harbour, large shipments are typically first unloaded in Sri Lanka and then transferred to smaller vessels capable of docking in Maldives port.

The government is planning to relocate the commercial port to Thilafushi, with China Harbour Engineering Company awarded a survey contract for the project.