Maldives Ports Limited has refused to release details of agreements signed with China Harbour Engineering Company for the relocation of the main commercial port to Thilafushi.
In response to a Right to Information request, MPL stated that the agreements signed on 5 February and 20 July 2026 contain non-disclosure clauses that prohibit public release of any details. The company also declined to disclose the total value of the contracts, arguing that revealing the price could expose trade secrets and harm commercial interests.
The scope of work includes construction of a 375-metre international quay wall, a 14.6-metre container vessel quay wall, and an 820-metre domestic quay wall under the Local Harbour Relief Project. The project aims to ease congestion at the existing Male' Commercial Harbour.
The refusal comes despite earlier statements by President Mohamed Muizzu criticising secret agreements made by previous administrations. No timeline for further disclosure has been provided.
