Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated that agreements signed with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the relocation of the main commercial port from Malé to Thilafushi are confidential and cannot be disclosed.
In response to a Right to Information request, MPL said the agreements signed on 5 February 2026 and 20 July 2026 contain non-disclosure clauses that prohibit the public release of any details. The company also declined to reveal the total value of the contracts, arguing that doing so could expose trade secrets and harm the commercial interests of a third party.
The scope of work includes measures to ease congestion at the existing port under the Local Harbour Relief Project. This involves construction of a 375-metre international quay wall, a 14.6-metre container vessel quay wall and an 820-metre domestic quay wall.
The government’s refusal to disclose the details comes despite earlier statements by President Mohamed Muizzu expressing concern over secret agreements entered into by previous administrations.
The Thilafushi port project is intended to modernise the country’s main commercial harbour and reduce congestion in Malé. Full details of the contractual terms and financial arrangements remain unavailable to the public.
