Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said congestion at the Malé Commercial Harbour is the result of years of neglect by previous governments, adding that the current Administration is implementing both immediate and long-term measures to resolve the issue.

The minister made the remarks in a post on X following the successful unloading of cargo from MV Celestia through the container handling facilities established at Thilafushi.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) said a total of 372 TEUs of cargo were unloaded from the vessel in less than 24 hours at the dedicated terminal in Thilafushi. The company added that MV Celestia is the fourth vessel to successfully complete cargo operations at the facility.

Minister Saeed said the challenges affecting the country's economic development had been evident to successive governments but had largely been left unaddressed. He noted that one of the most pressing issues was congestion at the Malé Commercial Harbour, which has long disrupted cargo handling and delayed the clearance of goods.

He said the current Administration, under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has moved beyond planning and is now implementing practical solutions aimed at resolving the issue permanently.

The minister noted that, as announced by the President in this year's Presidential Address, work is progressing to relocate the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi by November 2027.

Minister Saeed added that, while the Government continues to work towards a permanent solution, interim measures are also being implemented to ease congestion and alleviate the challenges currently faced by importers and businesses using the commercial harbour.