Kooddoo Fishing Harbour Expansion to Triple Capacity by April 2025

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has completed the initial phase of expansion at the Kooddoo fishing harbour in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. This development marks a critical step in the government's strategy to modernize the fisheries sector and support one of the most vital fishing communities in the south. The project aims to transform the current 300-foot facility, which can only accommodate three vessels at a time, into a 1,000-foot harbour. This significant increase in scale will provide the necessary infrastructure to enhance the capacity of the local fish processing factory and resolve long-standing operational bottlenecks that have hindered regional fishermen. Backed by a USD 5.1 billion investment from the Saudi Fund, the Kooddoo project represents one of the largest investments in fisheries infrastructure in the nation's recent history. The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources is overseeing the development to ensure the facility meets modern industrial standards. MTCC reports that 56 percent of the overall development is now complete. The progress is visible across several key construction fronts: dredging operations are 73 percent finished, shore protection work stands at 71 percent, and inner seawall construction has reached 70 percent. Work on auxiliary infrastructure is currently at 18 percent. Government officials have described the expansion as a cornerstone initiative. By addressing the infrastructure deficit in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the state aims to improve the efficiency of the supply chain and increase the economic output of the southern fishing fleet. All remaining construction and upgrades are scheduled for finalization by April next year.