Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced changes to the Malé North Harbour queue policy to improve queue management and make the service more efficient for vessel operators.

The new policy, which will take effect next Tuesday, includes the removal of the existing five-day "hold" option previously available for vessels registered in the A Zone and C Zone queues.

Under the previous system, vessels could remain on hold for up to five days without losing their place in the queue. While this option has now been abolished, MPL said vessel owners will still be able to postpone their booking in accordance with the existing procedures.

Another key change is that a vessel will no longer be allowed to register in more than one queue at the same time. Vessels seeking access to the A Zone, Express Zone or C Zone must now choose only one queue.

MPL also clarified that a single trip will be considered complete once a vessel is allocated a slot, docks at the North Harbour quay, finishes loading cargo and departs after settling the required harbour charges. As a result, vessels will no longer be permitted to register in multiple queues during the same trip.

The company said the changes were introduced after considering feedback and concerns raised by vessel owners, to provide a faster and more efficient harbour service.

MPL added that it will continue to review and improve its services based on feedback from harbour users.