Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has commenced container clearance services at the Thilafushi Cargo Clearance Terminal, initially handling containers transported by sea under its FCL clearance operations.
MPL said the service began today, with cargo clearance operations scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customs inspection services will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ferry services have also been scheduled to facilitate travel between Malé and Thilafushi. Ferries will depart from Malé’s North Harbour jetty at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Departures from Thilafushi Port’s ferry jetty to Malé are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
MPL CEO Hussain Shafeeq told PSM that space constraints at the Malé and Hulhumalé ports continue to limit the handling of containers close to vessels. He said the introduction of the service at MPL’s developing port facilities would mark a significant step forward in vessel clearance operations.
Shafeeq said the service would initially focus on FCL clearance operations for vessels, with plans to expand the scope of operations in the future.
“We are starting with FCL clearance operations for vessels. God willing, in the not-too-distant future, we will begin clearing containers here and releasing LCL cargo as well. Today, we have begun the process of loading containers onto vessels and carrying out clearance,” he said.
