MPL awards key quay wall contract for Thilafushi commercial port relocation project

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has awarded the contract for the construction of international and domestic quay walls under the Male' Commercial Port Relocation Project, marking another key milestone in the government's plan to relocate the country's main commercial port to Thilafushi.

The agreement was signed on Monday between MPL and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) at the MPL Head Office. MPL Chief Executive Officer Captain Hussain Shafeeq signed on behalf of the state-owned port operator, while CHEC Country Manager Mao Bao signed on behalf of the contractor.

Under the agreement, CHEC will construct a 375-metre-long international quay wall with a depth of 14.6 metres for container vessels, as well as an 820-metre-long domestic quay wall with a depth of five metres for cargo vessels serving inter-island transportation.

According to MPL, the works form a key part of the Male' Commercial Port Relocation Project, which aims to expand port capacity, improve cargo-handling efficiency and address long-standing congestion at the existing Male' Commercial Port.

The state-owned company said the new infrastructure at Thilafushi will enable faster and more efficient cargo loading and unloading operations while supporting the continued growth of the Maldives' maritime transport and logistics sector.

The project is part of the government's target to relocate Male' Commercial Port to Thilafushi by November 11, 2027.

Earlier this year, MPL awarded additional components of the project to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), including the construction of a 100-metre domestic quay wall and the paving of a three-hectare operational area.

Upon completion, Thilafushi Port will feature more than 1,000 metres of international quay wall and a domestic terminal with over 2,000 metres of quay wall, providing dedicated facilities for vessels currently operating from Male's North Harbour and South West Harbour.