Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced that they aim to complete the work on Thilafushi Port and begin operations in September.

Speaking on PSM's "Raajje Miadu" program tonight, MPL Manager Ibrahim Vishan Rasheed said that the current phase of the Thilafushi project involves work on the container storage area.

"The work has been contracted to MTCC. About 80% of the jetty construction is now complete. MPL is currently working on utilities before bringing it into operation. We expect to finish by mid-August and begin operations in September," Vishan said.

He noted that MPL's Facilities Department is working hard on ground leveling, electrical work, and office relocation for staff transfer. He emphasized that these tasks are being carried out directly by MPL employees.

MPL's Business Development Manager Mohamed Aiman Ali stated that overall operations involve between 700 to 1000 port service staff.

Aiman said that as the Maldivian economy accelerates, MPL will develop Thilafushi Port at a pace proportional to the increase in cargo volume.

"We will find ways to improve services without additional burdens on the general public, businesses, and industries. We expect the first phase to be completed by the end of August, and services for cargo importers to begin from September," he said.

Aiman mentioned that on the 10th of this month, they decided to proceed with the establishment of an additional facility named Thilafushi Cargo Handling Facility, which includes a 100-meter pier, as part of the first phase.

"This will make container unloading safer and eliminate manual processes where workers have to climb onto containers. This will reduce accidents and increase efficiency. We are currently in the tendering process for planning and executing this project," Aiman explained.

Aiman further stated that Thilafushi Port will be able to store and service between 1600 to 1800 loaded containers simultaneously. To achieve this, MPL will use two mobile harbor cranes instead of the shift gear or ship-mounted cranes currently in use.