Maldives invites interest for port, bunkering project in L. Fonadhoo
The project is part of the government’s broader plan to develop infrastructure that capitalises on vessel traffic in the region.
The Ministry of Economic Development has invited expressions of interest from parties interested in establishing port and bunkering services in L. Fonadhoo.
According to an announcement by the Ministry on Tuesday, consultative discussions will be held with companies interested in the project, which aims to establish a maritime facility near the One and a Half Degree Channel — a key shipping route in the Indian Ocean.
The project is part of the government’s broader plan to develop infrastructure that capitalises on vessel traffic in the region.
The Ministry stated that the purpose of the invitation is to assess private sector interest, understand potential commercial viability, and gather proposals for suitable business models to operate the facilities.
The scope of the first phase of the project includes:
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Construction of a deep-water port to handle cargo vessels, tankers, and service vessels
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Establishment of bunkering and fuelling services for transiting vessels
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Development of oil storage facilities, including floating tanks and onshore infrastructure
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Construction of marine support infrastructure
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Establishment of a service quay and breakwater to enable year-round access
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Land reclamation to support logistics and utility services
Consultation meetings will be held with interested parties, after which an assessment will be conducted before the formal launch of the project.
This follows a related initiative announced last year, when Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) signed a memorandum of understanding with China CAMCE Engineering in April to develop a maritime hub, including a transshipment port at L. Gaadhoo.
