The first phase of the project to develop the Male commercial port at Thilafalhu has been awarded to China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) announced today that it has signed an agreement with CHEC to move the project forward in line with President Mohamed Muizzu’s statement that the Male commercial port will be relocated to Thilafalhu starting November 11 next year.

Under the agreement, CHEC will conduct the design and survey work for the first phase of the commercial port being developed at Thilafalhu. The work must be completed within five months. Following completion of the design and survey work, CHEC will proceed with the actual construction of the project at a price mutually agreed upon by both parties.

President Muizzu stated today that with the international port being developed at Thilafalhu, ships that currently take seven days to unload can be unloaded in 48 hours, and this will help reduce commodity prices in the country.