MP Requests Summoning of MPL Management Over Cargo Vessel Queue System Concerns

An opposition MP has requested Parliament to summon senior management of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) over concerns that a newly introduced queue system at Malé North Harbour is causing delays for cargo vessels travelling to the islands.

In a letter submitted to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) said the system introduced by MPL has created difficulties for vessels transporting goods to islands, affecting cargo movement and increasing operational challenges for vessel owners.

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According to the letter, vessels now have to wait between 10 and 15 days after receiving a queue number before they are allocated space to berth at the harbour. The MP said this has reduced the number of trips some vessels can make, with boats that previously completed two to three trips a month now managing only one trip.

The letter stated that the delays are causing financial losses for vessel operators and disrupting the supply of goods to islands. MP Ibrahim also highlighted concerns raised by vessel owners over reduced docking space due to the Malé North Harbour development works, as well as the lack of water and electricity services in some areas despite payments being made.

The MP said the reduction in trips has particularly affected vessels operating from islands closer to Malé, making it difficult for operators to cover fuel expenses and crew salaries.

MP Ibrahim requested that MPL’s senior management be summoned to Parliament to discuss the challenges and identify an urgent solution.

MPL introduced changes to the Malé North Harbour vessel space allocation system in March, with implementation beginning on 14 March. Under the revised system, cargo and passenger vessels can register for a queue once required payments for the harbour keywall have been completed.

Under the new procedures, vessels are allocated berthing spaces according to their position in the queue. If a vessel fails to reach the allocated space within two hours of being contacted, or cannot be reached by phone, it is temporarily placed on hold from the A-Zone and C-Zone queues and the space is offered to the next vessel.

MPL has stated that vessels placed on hold can rejoin the queue once they enter the Malé area and contact the North Harbour office. The company has also stated that vessels re-added to the queue will only be considered for allocation after a two-hour waiting period.

According to MPL’s procedures, if a vessel fails to berth after being allocated a space following re-entry into the queue, the postponement can be granted up to three times. On the fourth instance, the vessel will be removed from the queue.