Thilafushi port relocation to boost Maldives economy

The Maldives government is progressing with a major project to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi, a move intended to drive economic growth and reduce the national cost of living. President Mohamed Muizzu and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed recently visited the site to assess construction progress.

Currently, cargo unloading at the Malé port takes between seven and fourteen days. Officials expect that once the Thilafushi Port is operational, cargo clearance will be completed within a single day. This efficiency is expected to ensure fresher food supplies and lower costs for commodities such as vegetables.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced that port operations at Thilafushi may begin as early as October 28th to ease current logistical challenges. The first phase of the project is slated for official inauguration on November 11, 2027, with full completion expected by November 2028.

The new 60-hectare port will initially handle 390,000 TEUs annually, with a long-term capacity target of 1.8 million TEUs per year. Construction milestones include the completion of the first 100 metres of the inner harbour’s quay wall and approximately 40 per cent of the inner harbour backfilling.