Malé commercial port allows round-the-clock access
Minister Ameen said that the long-standing rule had been amended and that the change marked a step aimed at improving port operations.
The port limit area will be opened for 24-hour access from Monday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Under a rule in force since November 1988, international vessels arriving at the commercial port after midnight were not permitted to enter the port limit area before 6am.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said on Sunday that the long-standing rule had been amended and that the change marked a step aimed at improving port operations.
“With this change, clearance and pilotage services will now be available 24 hours a day,” Ameen said in a post on X.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport said the decision was taken to allow access to the port at any time and to support economic activity.
According to the ministry, the change will provide continuous clearance and pilotage services in line with International Ship and Port Facility Security Code standards.
The ministry said the measure would reduce waiting time outside the port and lower additional costs associated with delays.
It added that the change is expected to increase the number of vessels calling at the commercial port of Malé and improve port operations.
