President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the new commercial harbour at Thilafushi is expected to become fully operational by 11 November 2027, describing it as a modern, spacious and fully equipped port that will transform cargo handling in the Maldives.
Speaking during the third episode of the ‘Nation Chat’ podcast aired on Public Service Media (PSM) on Wednesday night, the President said the relocation of the Malé Commercial Harbour would significantly improve logistics while easing congestion in the capital.
According to the President, around 80 percent of port operations will shift to the new Thilafushi Commercial Port, while the remaining activities will be carried out at the Industrial Village in south-west Malé, located at the Malé end of the Thilamalé Bridge.
He explained that containers will be transported between the two facilities using roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries, allowing freight movement to bypass residential areas and reducing heavy vehicle traffic within Malé.
President Muizzu also revealed that the new harbour will operate using a fully digitalised port management system to improve efficiency. He added that the government plans to attract private sector investment by offering incentives for businesses to establish commercial operations within the Thilafushi port area and the Malé Industrial Village.
The relocation of the commercial harbour forms part of the government’s wider infrastructure agenda aimed at modernising the country’s logistics network, improving trade efficiency, and supporting future economic growth.
