Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has declined to release details of agreements with China Harbour Engineering Company for the relocation of the main commercial port from Male' to Thilafushi, citing confidentiality.
Responding to Right to Information requests, MPL said the contracts signed on 5 February and 20 July 2026 contain non-disclosure clauses. The company also withheld the total value of the agreements, arguing that disclosure could harm commercial interests.
The works include construction of a 375-metre international quay wall, a 14.6-metre container vessel quay wall and an 820-metre domestic quay wall as part of efforts to ease congestion at the existing port.
The refusal comes after President Mohamed Muizzu previously criticised "secret agreements" signed by earlier administrations. The government has said the port will remain under Maldivian ownership and control once completed.
The project is intended to reduce cargo clearance times from several days to around 48 hours.
