The Maldives’ main commercial port will become one of the most valuable assets owned by the Maldivian people, Mohamed Saeed, the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, asserted. The announcement, made in a social media post on Sunday, was intended to address rumours circulating online regarding the Thilafushi port development.
The international commercial port being developed on the island of Thilafushi is a 100 per cent Maldivian-owned asset, Minister Saeed affirmed, providing full assurance that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will develop the facility as a vital state holding. The undertaking will represent the largest initiative launched and completed during President Muizzu’s current term.
“The international commercial port being established in Thilafushi is 100% owned by the Maldivian people,” Minister Saeed wrote on social media, assuring the public of complete national ownership. Urging citizens to reject false reports, he added, “By the will of [Almighty] Allah [SWT], the international commercial port will be the largest and most beneficial project to be initiated and fully completed for the Maldivian people during the first term of President Muizzu's administration,” while cautioning against “blatant lies regarding the Thilafushi port, due to an inability to face this great reality.”
Relocating the main commercial port from Malé to Thilafushi fulfils a key economic pledge of President Muizzu, aimed at addressing chronic space constraints at the current terminal and expanding the country's broader economy. Government officials noted the facility is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose port meeting international standards and incorporating modern technology.
Plans for the new port include the construction of a container terminal, multi-purpose terminals, cold storage units to preserve perishable cargo, and bonded warehouses. To support operations, the government aims to establish a comprehensive 24-hour logistics network, targeting 11 November 2027 to officially launch commercial services.