Chinese company awarded first phase of Thilafushi port project

China Harbour Engineering Company has been awarded the contract for the first phase of the commercial port project to be developed at Thilafushi.

President Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision in his presidential address at the opening sitting of Parliament on Thursday. He said the Malé commercial port will be relocated to Thilafushi on 11 November 2027.

Maldives Ports Limited signed an agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company on Thursday to carry out the project in line with the government’s plan.

Under the agreement, CHEC will undertake the design and survey work for the first phase of the Thilafushi commercial port. The company is required to complete the design and survey works within five months. Once these works are completed, CHEC will proceed with implementation of the project at a price agreed by both parties.

In his address, President Muizzu said the international port being developed at Thilafushi is expected to reduce cargo handling time. He said vessels that currently take up to seven days to be unloaded at the Malé commercial harbour will be unloaded within 48 hours at the Thilafushi port.

The President said the reduction in unloading time is expected to lower the cost of goods.