Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has held a meeting with agents and drivers who make use of port services as the decision has been made to move a major part of the services offered at the Male' Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi next year.

As per a social media post from MPL, it reads that they have met with truck drivers and clearing agents to consult them about the Port Relocation Project, and have gathered their opinions and feedback.

MPL stated that the meeting primarily highlighted the sharing of information regarding the project in developing the Thilafushi Port, and discussing the transfer of port facilities by November 2027.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated in July that 80 percent of the services being offered at the Male' Commercial Harbor will be moved to Thilafushi. Even though a large portion of services are transferred to Thilafushi, arrangements will be made where some services will be provided by Male's Industrial Village, said President Muizzu.

The President also said that all of the work surrounding the transport of containers via RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferries will be done in a way where it allows freight movement to bypass residential areas.

The President said the new port will operate using a fully digitalized port management system, and that the government plans to encourage private sector investment by offering incentives for businesses to establish commercial operations within the Thilafushi port area and the Male' Industrial Village.

The government has decided to have port services fully operational in Thilafushi by 11 November 2027.

MPL stated that the main purpose of this project in finding a permanent solution to the traffic congestion at the Male' harbor is to expand harbor resources in equal measure to the advancement of Maldives' maritime transportation and the logistics industry, along with expediting the process in embarking and disembarking goods.

Once the project is finished, an international key-wall longer than 1,000 meters, and a domestic terminal that has a 2,000 meter key-wall specifically for vessels that make use of the Male' North Harbor and the South West Harbor will be available for use at the Thilafushi Harbor.

The China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) has been awarded the project in establishing the international and domestic key-wall at Thilafushi under the project in moving the Male' Commercial Harbor to the island.