Businesses report delays in goods clearance at Malé port

Delays in clearing cargo at Malé Commercial Harbour have been reported by businesses, with traders citing difficulties in processing shipments.

According to importers, delays have affected both general goods and food items. Some businesses stated that similar issues were experienced during the recent Ramadan period. In some cases, cargo has remained at ports outside the Maldives due to delays in clearance.

An official from Maldives Ports Limited said that congestion occurs during periods of increased vessel arrivals due to space limitations at the harbour.

The official stated that nine cargo vessels are currently in the harbour area, including five container ships and four vessels carrying perishable goods.

The unloading of a vessel can be completed within seven days from the start of operations. However, total time, including waiting periods before docking, may be longer.

The official also noted an increase in cargo volume per vessel. While previous shipments averaged between 500 and 600 TEUs, some vessels are now carrying more than 1,000 TEUs.

Maldives Ports Limited stated that available infrastructure is being used to manage the situation. Capacity at the empty container depot in Thilafushi has been increased to reduce congestion.

The official said that a long-term solution requires relocating port operations to Thilafushi. The company aims to transfer container operations by 2027.

The project to develop port facilities in Thilafushi was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company last February. Surveys for quay walls have been completed, and geotechnical studies are in progress. Planning for yard and terminal layout is also ongoing.

Cargo clearance was also affected during Ramadan when one of the two Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes was not in operation.

The official said the crane was under repair and that maintenance is required due to age. Work on the first crane is nearing completion, and the second crane will undergo maintenance in a later phase.

Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes are used for handling containers. When these cranes are not in operation, reach stackers are used, which take longer to move and stack cargo.