A. Executive Summary

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) invites qualified and experienced contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the design and construction of the Local Harbour Relief Project – Phase 1 at K. Thilafushi. This strategic initiative aims to alleviate congestion at Malé Commercial Harbour and enhance maritime logistics efficiency through modern quay infrastructure.

B.Introduction & Project Background

 The Local Harbour Relief Project is a critical component of MPL’s masterplan to improve domestic vessel operations. Phase 1 involves both immediate construction and comprehensive design services under a single Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract.

C. Project Objectives

a)     To design, construct and commission a modern, deep-water quay to provide immediate port congestion relief and accommodate larger vessels.

b)     To deliver a complete, ready-for-tender detailed design package for the domestic quay, ensuring seamless integration into MPL’s Local Harbour Relief Project Masterplan for K. Thilafushi.

D. Scope of Work

MPL seeks EOIs from qualified local and international contractors, including joint ventures, to implement the following Project components:

Component A - International Quay (100m)

          Scope – Engineering, Procurement and Construction

• Turnkey design and construction of a 100m quay (-14.3m MSL) with a 50-year design life to berth large vessels requiring deep-water access.
• Preferred Deck-on-Pile (open quay) structure; alternative proposals require full technical and commercial justification.
• Construction of a minimum 35m-wide operational apron designed for 50 kN/m² heavy loading.
  • Full suite of works: piling, superstructure, pavement, revetments, scour protection, quay furniture (bollards, fenders), , and utility integration.

Component B - Domestic Quay (650m), Adjacent Basin & Extended Site Levelling

          Scope – Survey and Detailed Design

• Complete engineering design for a 650m quay (-5.0m MSL).
• Design of the channel adjacent to the International Quay, including channel geometry, dredging profiles, shore protection and scour protection.
• Design for Platform Levelling: Comprehensive cut-and-fill design for platform levelling.

Key Contractor Obligations & Requirements

• Full Surveying and Design Responsibility: For all components, adhering to the highest international standards.
• Environmental Compliance: Undertake and obtain full EIA approval prior to any construction.
• Quality & Safety: Implement robust QA/QC and HSE management systems.

E. Eligibility Criteria

a)     EOIs may be submitted by single entities or by joint ventures/consortia.

b)     In the case of a joint venture/consortium:

• One member shall be nominated as the Lead Partner for contractual purposes.
• The combined experience and financial capacity of all members will be considered in the evaluation.
• At least one partner to the JV/Consortium should demonstrate substantial experience in marine construction or EPC delivery, specialist design capability in port and quay engineering.
• Board Resolutions to form the Joint Venture/Consortium shall be presented from all parties involved.)

c)     Participation in more than one EOI (whether as a single entity or as a member of multiple JVs/Consortia) will result in the disqualification of all EOIs in which that entity is involved.

d)     Joint Ventures or Consortia participating in this EOI stage shall be considered eligible to participate in the RFP stage only if they are the same Joint Venture or Consortium as submitted at the EOI stage.

F. Submission Requirements

a)     Formal Letter of Expression of Interest: Signed by an authorized officer, stating intent and qualifications.

b)     Board Resolution from all participating firm(s).

c)     Company Profile: Including expertise, years of operation, and unique value proposition.

d)     Experience Records: List of ALL major works of marine structures and comparable coastal infrastructure such as quay walls, piers, bridges etc. completed within the past 10 years. Emphasis should be placed on projects of similar technical complexity, such as deep-water quays (more than -12 meters Mean Sea Level).

G. Evaluation and Qualification Criteria

a)     Minimum one successfully completed deep-water quay project (> -12m MSL) in the past 10 years.

b)     Cumulative project value ≥ USD 50 million.

c)     Evidence of completion certificates and client details.

H. Submission Guidelines

a)     The EOI shall be submitted electronically as a single compiled PDF by email to [email protected] with the subject line:

“Expression of Interest – Development of Local Harbour Relief Project – Phase 1 at K. Thilafushi, Maldives”.

b)     For reference, all documents should be addressed to:

Maldives Ports Limited, Port Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20250, Maldives.

c)     Submissions must be from official corporate email domains.

I. Deadline

a)     The deadline of the EOI submission is on the 06^th of January 2026, by 14:00HRS, Maldives Time (GMT+5). EOIs received after this time will not be accepted.

J. Further queries and clarifications:

a)     Applicants with questions regarding this EOI must submit inquiries in writing to [email protected].

b)     Please include "EOI QUERY: Local Harbour Relief Project – Phase 1" in the subject line of your email.

c)     The deadline for submitting queries is 28^th December 2025, 14:00HRS Maldives Time. (GMT+5).

K. Next Steps

This EOI forms the initial prequalification stage of the procurement process. MPL intends to shortlist qualified firms and/or joint ventures, based on the information provided in response to this notice. Shortlisted parties will be invited to submit detailed Technical and Financial Proposals under a FIDIC-based EPC Contract.

The subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) will be based on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, Second Edition 2017 (Silver Book), as amended by the Employer’s Particular Conditions.

Thank you for your interest in this project. We look forward to receiving your submission.