Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated that it is considering relocating the Male' Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi as originally planned, instead of Gulhifalhu.
Relocating the commercial harbour away from Male' has been an initiative undertaken by the previous two governments. However, it has not resulted in any tangible progress.
In 2013, the government at that time made the decision to relocate the commercial harbor to Thilafushi, the main industrial island in the region. Nevertheless, the subsequent government altered the designated area to Gulhifalhu and initiated the reclamation of 192 hectares for the new relocation project. The new administration has also prioritised the relocation project and included it in its roadmap for the first 100 days in office.
Speaking to PSM News, Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim, the new CEO of MPL, said that development of an international port is the most important project to expand the company's services. He said discussions are underway within the government to commence the fieldwork.
Additionally, Wajeeh said that many of MPL's operations are established in Thilafushi and that it is a good location to relocate the commercial harbour and develop and international port. As such, he said that the proposal will be submitted to the government to change the location of the port project.