The Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) will begin transporting empty containers from Malé Port to Thilafushi by the start of next month, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Rishwan.

Rishwan made the announcement during a meeting held to share information and gather feedback on changes planned for the North Harbour. He said the relocation of Malé’s main commercial port to Thilafushi is scheduled for completion by the end of next year, but preparations for storing empty containers are being prioritised to ease space constraints at the existing port facilities.

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been tasked with constructing the Magath Wall at Thilafushi to facilitate the storage of empty containers. Construction of the designated site is being carried out by MTCC staff on behalf of MPL.

Currently, containers unloaded from boats are stored at the commercial port in Malé and at MPL’s port in Hulhumalé. This arrangement requires considerable space and has led to a significant shortage of operational capacity at the city port. Rishwan said that once the site in Thilafushi is complete, empty containers will be moved there to free up space.

He noted that work on the storage area is progressing rapidly, with plans to start transportation once construction is completed next month. According to him, the accumulation of empty containers has reduced the efficiency of the port, and instructions have been given to complete the facility as soon as possible.

MPL stated that increasing imports each year have led to a rise in port activity. The limited space at Malé Port has not only made it more challenging to provide services but has also increased safety risks. The Government’s plan to shift the main commercial port to Thilafushi is expected to address these issues.