Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced that the dedicated zone for fishing vessels at Male' North Harbour will be designed to ensure fishermen can access services without any difficulties.
MPL stated that once the North Harbour is designed, the dedicated zone for fishermen will be managed alongside convenient services, ensuring no disruptions. The area is planned to be managed with facilities that are currently unavailable. While preparations are underway to provide water and electricity, MPL noted that arrangements will also be made to supply fuel from the location in the future.
"Fishing vessels currently using the harbour will be able to continue doing so without any inconvenience. However, once the design is finalized, the specific area they use might change slightly. We are looking into it to determine the best approach.
Services will be provided without any disruption, and fishermen will continue to receive the services they currently get. We will consult with them and proceed in a way that satisfies everyone," said MPL's Deputy CEO Mohamed Mueen.
Fishermen have previously stated that one of the biggest challenges in using the North Harbour is the lack of space in the dedicated zone when returning from fishing, as supply boats or cargo vessels are often moored there. Addressing this issue, Mueen stated that once the North Harbour begins directly managing the fishermen's zone, the problems currently faced by fishermen will be resolved.
"This will be largely resolved, you know? Because we will be managing this through a system. It will be managed so that everyone gets the opportunity, not just vessels staying moored there indefinitely. Everyone will get the opportunity," Mueen said.
With the changes to the North Harbour, MPL stated that the harbour's quay wall will be able to accommodate 74 vessels simultaneously. This includes 54 vessels for cargo and passengers, and 20 slots for fishing vessels. MPL also mentioned that arrangements will be made for 25 vessels to wait in a queue.
The harbour built on the north side of Male', including the dedicated zone for fishermen, from the MPL area up to the cross-pier of the Local Market opposite the Fish Market, was handed over to MPL for management on June 4. Consequently, this area is also being managed by Male' North Harbour. Following this change in management, MPL has given an opportunity for vessels not registered at Male' North Harbour to register before August 1, 2025. In addition to registering at Male' North Harbour via the harbour software portal local.port.mv, users can also "request" required services.
MPL stated that vessels not registered on the portal will not receive services. Furthermore, starting September 1, 2025, all parties seeking services from the harbour will be required to comply with the Male' North Harbour management guidelines, according to MPL.
MPL is currently undertaking repairs to the harbour's quay wall, installing mooring bollards, and laying moorings. Preparations are also underway to provide adequate services to the vessels.
