Maldives to Expand Fish Storage with Ice Plants Across 15 Additional Islands

The Maldives is significantly expanding its fisheries infrastructure, with plans to establish ice plants on 15 additional islands to resolve long-standing storage and processing challenges. Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam announced the initiative during a press conference at the President’s Office, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting the fishing community. Five islands have already seen ice plants become operational, including 30-tonne facilities in Funadhoo, Meedhoo, Bandidhoo, and Gemanafushi, and a 25-tonne plant in Dhevvadhoo. Further expansion is expected by the end of the year, with a 60-tonne cold storage facility planned for Veyvah and a 25-tonne facility for Mahibadhoo. The upcoming projects, financed by contractors in alignment with presidential pledges and community requests, vary in scale to meet local needs. These include a 40-tonne plant in Naifaru, 30-tonne facilities in islands such as Nilandhoo, Kulhudhuffushi, and Rasdhoo, and smaller units in Kudarikilu, Hithadhoo, and Maavah. Additionally, the existing capacity in Felivaru will double from 50 to 100 tonnes. Beyond ice plants, the government is investing in larger-scale cold storage to stabilize fish pricing. Land reclamation is currently underway in Fiyoaree for a 100-tonne facility, while work continues on a 50-tonne facility and harbour upgrades in Nilandhoo. These efforts aim to allow fishermen to store seasonal catches more effectively, reducing waste and increasing value-added export opportunities. In a major move to boost processing capabilities, Minister Shiyam revealed that a 100-tonne fish processing facility will be established in Hulhumalé. The agreement for this project is expected to be signed next week, marking a critical step in the nation's strategy to modernize its fisheries value chain and secure better financial returns for local fishers.