News Desk
MALÉ, — The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources has unveiled a major infrastructural push to expand the nation’s fish storage capacity by 10,900 tonnes. The initiative aims to resolve the fishing industry’s single biggest bottleneck: the inability to store catches fresh during peak seasons.
Financed through international development funds—including India’s EXIM Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the Islamic Development Bank—the targeted development spans seven islands. The strategic goal is to allow local fishing corporations to stockpile fish when global prices are low and export only when market values rise, ensuring better rates for local fishermen.
According to latest project updates, the construction timelines and capacities across the seven locations are structured as follows:
Project Timelines and Capacities
Facilities Completing in 2026
- Felivaru: A massive 4,000-tonne facility, which is currently the furthest along with 78% of the work finished.
- Kooddoo: Another major 4,000-tonne cold storage hub, currently sitting at 25% completion.
- Gdh. Thinadhoo: A 1,000-tonne storage facility with construction advanced to 75%.
- M. Mulaku: A 500-tonne facility, currently at 20% completion.
Facilities Completing in 2027
- Ha. Ihavandhoo: A 1,000-tonne facility where initial groundwork has commenced (2% complete).
- Kanduoygiri: A smaller 200-tonne specialized storage facility, currently 10% complete.
- Facilities Completing in 2027/2028
- Th. Hirilandhoo: A 200-tonne facility, currently at 5% completion, with a final handover slated for 2027.
The expansion from the current limits will significantly increase the country’s total freezing capability. By eliminating the urgent need to dump fresh catch immediately into low-priced international markets, state and private buyers can better manage the supply chain and maximize export revenue.
