MP calls for parliament committee to summon MPL over North Harbour delays

Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim has requested a parliamentary committee to summon senior officials of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) over regulations at Malé North Harbour that he says are affecting cargo transport to the atolls.

In a letter to the Speaker of the People's Majlis, Mohamed Ibrahim raised concerns over changes introduced by MPL to its docking and slot allocation policy at North Harbour in March.

The revised policy changed the procedures for registering for quay wall slots, the circumstances under which allocated slots may be forfeited, and the process for re-registering for docking slots.

According to the MP, boat operators have reported that the changes have reduced the number of trips they can make each month, affecting their income and disrupting the supply of goods to islands. He also noted concerns over reduced space at North Harbour following road widening works, as well as the lack of water and electricity services in parts of the harbour.

Mohamed Ibrahim said boat operators are now waiting between 10 and 15 days to obtain a queue number for docking, limiting many vessels to a single trip each month.

"While this is causing financial losses to boat owners, it has also disrupted the supply of goods to the islands," he said in the letter.

He added that operators serving nearby atolls have been particularly affected, as fewer trips have made it more difficult to meet operating costs, including fuel and staff salaries.

The letter also highlighted continued concerns over the lack of electricity and water services in several areas of North Harbour. According to the MP, boat operators have called for a review of the policy and changes to the queue management system.

"As this is a matter closely connected to the daily livelihood of citizens, I request the relevant committee of the People's Majlis to summon the leadership of Maldives Ports Limited and work towards a swift resolution to this issue," Mohamed Ibrahim said.