Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has extended the deadline for the fee-free storage of goods kept in open storage at the Malé Commercial Harbour, allowing importers additional time to collect cargo without incurring demurrage charges.

According to Maldives Ports Limited, the company’s board approved an extension to the free storage period for non-containerised goods stored in the open storage area of the port. Previously, such cargo could be retained for five days without charges. Under the revised arrangement, the free storage period has been extended by 10 days.

MPL said the change will apply to goods unloaded at the Malé Commercial Harbour from 1 February. The company clarified that the extension does not apply to conventional cargo or perishable goods.

The decision was taken as part of efforts to ease economic pressures faced by businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). MPL said the revised policy is expected to provide relief to local importers, especially smaller businesses that may face challenges in clearing goods within shorter timeframes.

The extension follows a meeting held on 17 December 2025 between President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and representatives of SMEs, during which concerns related to port operations and clearance timelines were raised. As part of the measures discussed, the Government also decided to extend the demurrage-free period at the Malé Commercial Harbour from 80 hours to 124 hours and to introduce a 24-hour cargo clearance service.