Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has said development works on the MIFCO harbour in Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City, are nearing completion, with around 90 per cent of the project now finished and completion expected by the end of April.

The harbour development project, contracted to MTCC in 2019, was prioritised due to the deteriorated condition of the existing harbour and operational difficulties faced by large vessels accessing the facility. The upgraded harbour is expected to support the operations of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and improve the efficiency of fish handling and export activities in Addu.

Speaking to State media, Addu Site Manager said the majority of construction works have been completed, with remaining works focused on finishing components and final adjustments. He said the project is expected to be completed within the next two to three months.

The project involves dredging approximately 471,380 cubic metres of harbour area, reclaiming 1,788 cubic metres of land, and constructing 97 metres of quay wall. The total value of the project stands at MVR 68.8 million.

MIFCO said the completion of the harbour will ease logistical constraints faced by the Addu Fisheries Complex, which has a storage capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes of fish. The company noted that current limitations in harbour infrastructure have posed challenges to export operations, and the upgraded facility is expected to improve vessel access, loading efficiency and the overall handling of fish products.