Minister says 2,500 containers in backlog to arrive this week
A backlog at Malé Commercial Harbour has resulted in containers remaining at ports in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed on Tuesday said that 2,500 containers currently held in Sri Lanka will be transported to Malé within this week.
The statement follows concerns raised by the business community over delays in imports and clearance processes. The delays have been linked to shipping disruptions related to developments in the Middle East and operational issues at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). A backlog at Malé Commercial Harbour has resulted in containers remaining at ports in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a press briefing at the President’s Office, Saeed said a number of the containers are expected to arrive during the week.
“Last week, I noted that there were 4,241 containers. However, with the vessels currently at port and those scheduled to arrive this week, we estimate that the number of containers remaining in the Maldives will decrease to 1,741,” he said.
He added that congestion at Colombo port is easing and operations are moving towards normal levels.
The minister said a vessel currently at port is carrying 1,200 TEUs of cargo. He said 2,500 TEUs are scheduled to arrive in Malé this week, including 500 containers on April 12 and 13, and a further 1,500 containers expected to arrive on Tuesday.
