Commercial port to relocate to Thilafushi in 2027, says president
The President said the relocation would reduce the time taken to unload cargo vessels to 48 hours, compared with the current average of seven days.
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President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday announced that the commercial port in Malé will be relocated to Thilafushi on 11 November 2027.
Delivering his presidential address at the opening sitting of People’s Majlis this year, the President said the relocation would reduce the time taken to unload cargo vessels to 48 hours, compared with the current average of seven days.
He said Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) will hand over the construction of a 125-metre international quay wall on Thursday as part of the first phase of relocating the commercial port to Thilafushi.
The President added that a two-kilometre quay wall, paving works, buildings and equipment required for the relocation of the domestic port will be handed over to relevant parties within this year.
According to the President, relocating the port to Thilafushi will extend storage capacity and reduce costs associated with transporting goods within the Maldives. He said the wholesale market operations currently located in Malé will also be moved to Thilafushi.
“With these changes, the cost of goods is expected to decline and the public will benefit,” the President said.
He added that the relocation will allow cargo vessels to berth more easily, reduce the time spent at port for loading and unloading, and enable faster delivery of goods to the islands.
The President also said the relocation would ease traffic congestion and pedestrian movement in areas currently occupied by the port and market facilities in Malé.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously stated that India is prepared to assist with the development of the international trade port in Thilafushi.
