Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI)’s for the detailed engineering design of the terminal and other facilities as part of the Local Harbour Relief Project (LHRP).
The LHRP aims to move the country’s main Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi. As part of this initiative, some work in Hulhumale’ Phase one was assigned to China Harbour Engineering Company in February.
This is one of the largest government projects for the economic sector in the Greater Male’ region. The Commercial Harbour, which has been in Male’ for the past 40 years, was proposed to be moved to Gulhifalhu by the previous administration. However, this has since been amended to Thilafushi, as an island specialised for industrial work. The newly constructed Commercial Harbour will be four times as large as the current facilities in Male’. MPL has allotted the land required for this initiative, with preparations for this project currently underway in Thilafushi.
EIOs may be submitted by both local and international consulting firms. The detailed design should be submitted for port infrastructure and the associated buildings, including the main port terminal, container yard and storage area, administrative building, control tower, gate complex, workshop, maintenance facility and staff support facility. Structural and architectural designs for the buildings are also necessary, as well as utility plans for port roads and the container storage area.
EOIs may be submitted by email to [email protected] by 1300hrs on 25th March. For enquiries, questions may be submitted in writing to [email protected] by 1300hrs on 23rd March.
This port is designed to provide ease for businesses, aimed to be utilised for the next 30 years. MPL has stated that moving the Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi will clear up space for other government purposes in the Maafannu district where the port is currently located.
In his Presidential Address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assured that the port will be relocated by November 2027. He added that goods clearance will be sped up, with what was once possible in seven days shortened to just 48hrs. Furthermore, goods can be stored for longer, reducing costs of importation. President Muizzu stated that these changes would reduce the prices of goods and therefore, benefit residents.