MPL begins migration of Malé Commercial Harbour operations to Thilafushi

MPL has begun shifting commercial harbour operations to Thilafushi, starting with FCL container handling at the Thilafushi Cargo Terminal ahead of full relocation in November 2027.

Mohamed Hilmy

27 October 2026, 14:32

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has begun migrating operations from Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi, marking the first operational step in the planned relocation of the commercial port.

As part of the initial phase, MPL has commenced handling full-container-load (FCL) containers cleared for sea transport at the Thilafushi Cargo Terminal, where unstripped containers are loaded directly onto vessels.

MPL said services at the terminal will be expanded to include cargo stripped from containers.

The operational shift comes as work continues on the wider development of the new commercial port at Thilafushi, which is intended to address space and operational constraints at Malé Commercial Harbour.

The new port is planned across approximately 60 hectares and is expected to have an initial annual handling capacity of 390,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Plans for the facility include a 375-metre international container quay capable of accommodating international container vessels.

MPL expects the full migration of Malé Commercial Harbour operations to Thilafushi to be completed by 11 November 2027.

MPL begins migration of Malé Commercial Harbour operations to Thilafushi

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