Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has said that discussions are underway with some international groups interested in developing a transhipment port in Thilafushi to replace the Male' commercial port.
The government has allocated 20 hectares of land for the development of the port and developed the concept design for the project. The previous government wanted to build the port in Gulhifalhu but President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on January 4 that the port will be built in Thilafushi.
Adhadhu understands that MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim recently visited the Philippines to seek an investor for the development of the port.
When questioned about the matter, Wajeed told Adhadhu: "We are in discussions with some foreign parties interested in the development of Thilafushi port."
In January, Wajeeh said the relocation of the commercial port in Male' will start within the next three months.
The Thilafushi port was first planned by the government of former President Abdulla Yameen. But the new government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih decided to build the port in Gulhifalhu.
The government took out a USD 300 million (MVR 5 billion) loan from Exim Bank of India to build the port with a capacity of 400,000 containers per year.
The land reclamation work for the port was awarded to Boskalis of the Netherlands in July last year. The company completed the work a month ago.
