Government Advances Plans for Gaadhoo Bunkering Hub

The government is moving forward with plans to establish a major port and bunkering service in Gaadhoo, Laamu Atoll, a key pledge in the administration's manifesto to boost economic activity across the archipelago. Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed confirmed the plans during a press conference at the President's Office on 14 April, revealing that discussions with interested private parties are underway to bring the project to fruition. "Discussions are underway with interested parties to establish a port and bunkering service in the Gaadhoo area. The government's aim is to provide all the necessary facilities to carry out the project," he said. The Minister highlighted that the overall development of regional ports is progressing rapidly, marking a significant shift from historically centralised development patterns. He pointed to the ongoing Kulhudhuffushi Port Development Project as evidence of this accelerated regional drive. Dredging work is in progress to allow the port to accommodate larger vessels, alongside land reclamation initiatives to expand its operational space. The site has already been developed into a duty-free zone with ample storage for construction materials, with new proposals for further enhancements currently under preliminary review. Further underscoring the nationwide port modernisation strategy, Minister Saeed detailed concurrent development work in Addu City. The capacity of the Hithadhoo commercial port is being expanded with new services added, and logistical arrangements are being made to enable shipping containers to be delivered directly to the southernmost atoll, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs for businesses and consumers.