MPL introduces new container transfer charges between Malé and Thilafushi

MPL introduces container transfer charges of up to MVR 3,000 between Malé and Thilafushi

Businesses will be charged MVR 1,500 for 20-foot containers and MVR 3,000 for 40-foot containers, excluding GST, effective 15 November.

Mohamed Hilmy

15 November 2026, 20:32

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has introduced new charges for transferring containers between Malé Commercial Harbour and Thilafushi Cargo Terminal, effective 15 November 2026, as part of the ongoing relocation of commercial port operations to Thilafushi.

Under the new fee structure, transferring a 20-foot container between the two ports will cost MVR 1,500, while the charge for a 40-foot container is MVR 3,000. Both rates exclude Goods and Services Tax (GST).

MPL said the charges are being introduced as it continues to expand operations and services at Thilafushi Cargo Terminal under the Port Migration Project.

The company began transferring commercial harbour operations to Thilafushi on 27 October, initially introducing services for full-container-load (FCL) cargo cleared for sea transport. The terminal also handles the return of empty containers after unloading.

The relocation is intended to address capacity constraints at Malé Commercial Harbour, which has been operating beyond its designed capacity as cargo volumes have increased.

The development of the new commercial port at Thilafushi is expected to increase cargo-handling capacity and improve operational efficiency, with the full migration of commercial harbour operations targeted for November 2027.

The new transfer charges represent an additional cost consideration for businesses moving containers between the two facilities during the transition.

MPL introduces container transfer charges of up to MVR 3,000 between Malé and Thilafushi

Leave a comment

Comments

Latest News