Government to Begin Malé Commercial Harbour Relocation to Thilafushi This Month

The government will begin construction this month to relocate the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi, with the foundation stone scheduled to be laid on 6 July, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has announced.

Speaking at a briefing held at the President’s Office, Saeed said the government aims to relocate harbour operations to Thilafushi by November 2027.

advertisement

He said the relocation is intended to address long-standing infrastructure constraints affecting the country’s import-dependent economy. According to the minister, the existing commercial harbour has not expanded in line with growing demand despite significant increases in population and tourist arrivals.

Saeed said the Maldives now requires logistics capacity to support around 2.4 million people annually, including residents and more than two million tourists, while continuing to rely on a port that was built around four decades ago.

He also said the relocation project is necessary to ensure maritime infrastructure keeps pace with ongoing aviation developments at Velana International Airport. Saeed attributed the government’s decision to proceed with the project to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, adding that the administration is now implementing the required work.

As part of preparations ahead of construction, the government has established a designated storage area for empty shipping containers on Thilafushi to reduce pressure on existing port logistics until the new harbour is completed.