News Desk
MALE’ — In a significant move to overhaul the nation’s maritime logistics, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) today formally awarded the contract for the construction of international and domestic quay walls at the new Thilafushi commercial port to the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the MPL head office by MPL CEO Captain Mohamed Shafeeq and CHEC Country Manager Mao Bao.
This project, a central pledge in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, is designed to provide a long-term solution to the persistent congestion at Male’s commercial harbour. Under the scope of today’s agreement, CHEC will construct a 375-metre-long international quay wall with a depth of 14.6 metres, specifically engineered to accommodate large container vessels. The contract also includes the construction of an 820-metre-long domestic quay wall with a depth of 5 metres.
These works build upon an initial contract signed on 1 June 2026 with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), which covers essential ancillary works, including a 100-metre domestic quay wall and the paving of a three-hectare area at the site.
Upon completion, the relocated port will be a major industrial hub, featuring an international quay wall exceeding 1,000 metres and a domestic terminal spanning over 2,000 metres—effectively replacing the capacity currently provided by the North and South West harbours in the capital.
The government has set an ambitious deadline for the full completion of the project by 11 November 2027.
