MPL cuts working hours to reduce expenses; no changes to cargo clearance times

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced a reduction in working hours for its administrative personnel as part of cost-reduction measures, while emphasizing that the changes will not affect cargo clearance operations.

This decision follows a circular issued by the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), which directed state-owned enterprises and their subsidiaries to adopt austerity measures in response to the economic risks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement on Thursday, MPL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at mitigating the potential economic repercussions of the conflict on Maldives. The company indicated that the new measures will come into effect starting Tuesday.

Among the principal changes announced by MPL is a reduction in official working hours for administrative employees who are not assigned to shift duties. These staff members will now work from 07:30 to 14:00, compared to the previous schedule of 07:30 to 15:30.

Furthermore, MPL has resolved to limit the working hours of shift duty staff to a maximum of eight hours per day. The company also confirmed the suspension of all non-essential official overseas travel.

For essential international travel, MPL will give priority to trips financed by external parties and will make use of online platforms for meetings with international clients and suppliers.

Additional cost-reduction measures include:

• The suspension of overseas staff training programs, with a transition to online participation
• The Maldives Maritime Conference 2026, originally scheduled for the 15th of this month, has been delayed to October 5^th
• The implementation of targeted measures to reduce electricity consumption, alongside awareness initiatives to promote energy-saving practices among employees

MPL assured that, despite limiting operational shift hours to eight hours per day, there will be no alteration to the schedule for vessel unloading and cargo clearance at the Male’ Commercial Harbor. Customers have been assured that these services will continue without disruption.

This announcement comes amid concerns raised by businesses regarding delays in clearing goods at Male’ Port, which have reportedly resulted in a backlog of containers destined for the Maldives in other countries.

In this regard, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, on Wednesday, said that approximately 4,200 containers remain held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, awaiting shipment to the Maldives. He added that efforts are currently underway, in coordination with the Colombo Port authorities, to expedite the delivery of 80 containers specifically requested by local businesses.