The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded a major contract to develop key infrastructure at the expanding Thilafushi Port, as preparations continue for what is expected to become the country’s largest and most advanced commercial harbour.
The agreement was signed between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and MTCC, with MPL Chief Executive Officer Captain Hussain Shafeeq and MTCC Managing Director DCP (Retd) Ahmed Saudee formalizing the partnership.
Under the project, MTCC will construct a 100-metre quay wall and undertake paving works covering 6,775 square metres, along with the development of supporting infrastructure required for port operations.
According to MPL, the newly developed area will initially be used for cargo clearance activities. A significant portion of cargo processing currently handled at the Malé Commercial Harbour and the Hulhumalé International Terminal is expected to be relocated to the site, helping ease congestion and improve the efficiency of clearance operations.
Officials noted that the facility’s role will evolve once the wider Thilafushi Port Development Project is completed. At that stage, the quay is expected to serve as a dedicated service berth for MPL vessels operating within the port.
The quay wall component of the project is valued at approximately USD 1.17 million, while the total contract value, including paving and related infrastructure works, stands at around USD 10 million.
The project is scheduled to be completed within 120 days.
The latest development forms part of the broader Thilafushi Port Development Project, one of the largest infrastructure initiatives currently underway in the Maldives. The new international port is being developed to address growing cargo volumes and the operational limitations of existing harbour facilities in the Greater Malé Region.
MPL has previously stated that the new port will significantly expand the country’s cargo handling capacity while improving logistics efficiency and supporting future economic growth.
The company is targeting November 2027 for the opening of the new international port, after which operations at the Malé Commercial Harbour are expected to be transferred to Thilafushi.
Progress on the wider project has accelerated in recent months. Earlier this year, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was awarded the contract to carry out the design and survey works for Phase One of the development. MPL has since confirmed that those preparatory works are nearing completion.
Once operational, the Thilafushi Port is expected to become a central hub for maritime trade and logistics in the Maldives, supporting increased import and export activity while strengthening the country’s port infrastructure for decades to come.
