Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated that preparations are underway to begin the Gulhifalhu Reclamation Project.
The reclamation project is part of the government’s efforts to relocate the Male’ Commercial Harbour to Gulhifalhu, Kaafu Atoll. The government allocated USD62 million for the reclamation of Gulhifalhu for the development of the main seaport.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPL Shahid Ali assured that the project to relocate the Male’ Commercial Harbour is progressing at a fast pace and that preparations are underway to begin land reclamation. He noted that part of the area has already been reclaimed and that a dredger has been brought in to reclaim the rest of the area. He said that four companies have been pre-qualified and the project will be handed over to the contractor after the completion of the land reclamation project.
Additionally, Shahid said that the Male’ Commercial Harbour will be relocated to Gulhifalhu and resume operations within two years. He highlighted the importance of the project, as it will significantly increase the capacity at the port and pave the way for better logistics operations.
MPL has stated that the lack of space is a hindrance to port operations and that it is implementing solutions as its first priority. As such, MPL has decided to build a bulk terminal in Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll, to store rock boulders and metal. The company further stated that its operations are overcapacity by threefold as it is handling 130,000 containers per year in a space that can only handle 50,000 containers.