As preparations are underway to begin the project to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi, HDC today instructed the removal of vessels moored in the Thilafushi harbor.

In an announcement made today, HDC highlighted a large portion of the harbor situated toward the middle of Thilafushi, ordering the removal of vessels moored, abandoned, as well as sunken in that area within seven days.

The announcement also stated that HDC will act under the established procedure governing such situations regarding vessels not removed within that timeframe.

MPL stated that the main purpose of this project, carried out to find a permanent solution to the congestion issues faced by the Malé Commercial Port, is to expand port facilities in tandem with the growth of the Maldives' maritime and logistics sectors, thereby speeding up the cargo loading and unloading system.

The target set for this project is to be completed by November 11, 2027.

Certain works of this project were also handed over to MTCC on the 1st of last month. These involve constructing a 100-meter domestic quay wall and paving a three-hectare area.

Upon complete finish of the entire project, the Thilafushi port will feature an international quay wall of over 1,000 meters, as well as a domestic terminal featuring a quay wall over 2,000 meters long dedicated to vessels using Malé's North Harbour and South West Harbour.

The work to develop the international and domestic quay walls at the site has been contracted to China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced in his presidential address delivered to the People's Majlis last February that the Malé Commercial Port will be relocated to Thilafushi on November 11 next year.

Discussions to relocate the commercial port to Thilafushi were also held seven years ago. In that regard, although every administration maintained the intention to move the commercial port to Thilafushi, it has not been achieved until now.