The redevelopment of the northern section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu has significantly improved operations at North Harbour, with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) introducing a range of service enhancements to make cargo handling and vessel operations safer and more efficient.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, MPL's Assistant Manager Ali Shameem said the road expansion has made it much easier for vehicles to access the harbour for loading and unloading cargo. He noted that the wider road now allows two to three pickup trucks to operate simultaneously, speeding up cargo handling.

Shameem said the improvements have been well received by boat operators, who have welcomed the easier loading and unloading process. He added that MPL continues to gather feedback from vessel operators to improve services at the harbour further.

In addition, electricity is now available for vessels berthed in the area for the first time. Shameem described the new power supply as a long-awaited improvement that MPL had hoped to introduce since North Harbour began operations.

He explained that vessel operators previously had to carry hoses to the MPL office area to fill water tanks. With the new infrastructure, vessels can now connect directly to the water supply without leaving their berths.

MPL's Section Manager Mohamed Azar said the road upgrade has also made cargo handling considerably safer. Previously, cargo had to be transferred by placing wooden planks between vessels and the jetty, a process that exposed workers to the risk of falling into the sea and increased the likelihood of goods being damaged or lost.

He said cargo can now be unloaded directly from pickup trucks onto the jetty and loaded straight onto vessels, reducing safety risks while protecting cargo from damage.

Azar added that the new system has given vessel operators greater confidence, with cargo now being handled in a safer and more organised manner.

North Harbour's Zone A is now equipped to provide both water and electricity services to vessels. MPL has also introduced an online portal that allows vessel operators to book these services before arriving at the harbour.

The company said the upgrades to Boduthakurufaanu Magu have enabled better traffic flow and more organised harbour operations. MPL added that service arrangements have been developed in consultation with boat operators and harbour users to ensure services are delivered more efficiently.