The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has secured a major infrastructure contract from Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to develop a new quay and supporting facilities at the emerging port zone in Thilafushi.
Under the agreement, MTCC will construct a 100-metre quay wall and carry out extensive paving and infrastructure works in an area that is expected to play a key role in the country’s future cargo handling operations.
The contract was formally signed by MPL Chief Executive Officer Captain Hussain Shafeeq and MTCC Managing Director DCP (Retd) Ahmed Saudee.
According to MPL, the project will include the construction of the quay wall alongside 6,775 square metres of paved operational space and other supporting infrastructure. Once completed, the site will initially be used to facilitate cargo clearance activities.
The move forms part of wider efforts to improve efficiency in freight handling and ease congestion at existing port facilities. Cargo clearance services currently conducted at the Malé Commercial Harbour and the Hulhumalé International Terminal are expected to be shifted to the new area, helping streamline operations and reduce pressure on existing facilities.
MPL said the area’s role will evolve further after the completion of the broader Thilafushi Port Development Project. At that stage, the facility is expected to function as a dedicated service quay for MPL vessels.
The quay wall component of the project carries a value of approximately USD 1.17 million, while the overall contract, including paving works and associated infrastructure, is valued at around USD 10 million.
The project is scheduled for completion within 120 days.
The contract award comes as development of the new international commercial port at Thilafushi continues to gather momentum. The port is one of the largest infrastructure projects currently being undertaken in the Maldives and is expected to transform the country’s maritime logistics sector.
MPL has previously stated that the new port is being designed to address long-standing capacity constraints at the Malé Commercial Harbour, which handles the majority of imports entering the country. Once operational, the expanded facility is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce vessel waiting times and support future trade growth.
The company is targeting November 2027 for the opening of the new port, after which operations at the Malé Commercial Harbour are expected to be relocated to Thilafushi.
Earlier this year, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was awarded the contract to undertake the design and survey works for the first phase of the Thilafushi Port Development Project. MPL has since indicated that those preparatory works are nearing completion, paving the way for the next stages of development.
With construction activity accelerating across the project site, officials view the new port as a critical component of the Maldives’ long-term economic infrastructure, aimed at supporting increasing trade volumes and strengthening the country’s logistics network.
