A. Executive Summary

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is the principal port authority responsible for the development, administration, and management of ports within the Republic of Maldives. In furtherance of its strategic mandate to enhance national maritime infrastructure and trade facilitation, MPL intends to develop the Local Harbour Relief Project (LHRP), a comprehensive multi-building development within the designated port and industrial zone on Thilafushi Island.

MPL now invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputable and experienced international and local consulting firms (including associations, joint ventures, or consortia) for the provision of services for the detailed engineering design of the LHRP.

This EOI is issued for the purpose of identifying and registering all interested parties. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will subsequently be issued to all firms that submit a valid EOI in response to this notice.

B. Project Background & Objectives

Thilafushi is a reclaimed island developed primarily for industrial and port-related activities. The proposed LHRP development aims to establish a modern, efficient, and fully integrated port facility to support national trade and maritime operations. The project encompasses the design of multiple operational, administrative, welfare, and infrastructure facilities.

The key objectives of the project are to:

a)     Support port operations and cargo handling activities.

b)     Provide comprehensive administrative and regulatory facilities.

c)     Ensure compliance with national and international maritime, safety, and environmental regulations.

d)     Enhance operational efficiency, safety, and security.

e)     Provide adequate staff accommodation, welfare amenities, and recreational facilities.

f)      Develop self-sufficient supporting infrastructure, including power generation and water production.

g)     Ensure safe handling and storage of general and hazardous cargo.

MPL has prepared a detailed Employer's Requirements (ER) document which defines the minimum performance, functional, technical, and regulatory requirements for the design of the facilities. This EOI is issued to identify contractors capable of delivering a design that meets the rigorous standards of the ER.

C. Scope of Work

The contractor shall cover all aspects of detailed design for port infrastructure, back-of-port areas, and associated buildings. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following components:

a)     Port Terminal Detailed Design

1. Engineering and detailed design: Detailed design of container yards, storage areas, heavy-duty pavement structures and internal roads.
2. Utilities and Networks: Engineering and detailed design of utility networks including potable water supply, fire-fighting systems, sewerage network, treatment and disposal, stormwater drainage, power supply and distribution, street lighting, and telecommunications/IT infrastructure.

b)     Associated Buildings and Facilities

1. Administrative Buildings: Engineering and detailed architectural and structural design of the port administration buildings, including finishes, facades, and space planning.
2. Operational Buildings: Engineering and detailed design of terminal office buildings, control towers, gate complexes (including weighbridges and inspection bays), workshops, and maintenance facilities.
3. Amenities and Support Facilities: Engineering and detailed design of staff amenities, canteens, security posts, and other ancillary buildings.
4. MEP Design: Engineering and detailed design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for all buildings, including HVAC, fire alarm and suppression systems, lighting, power distribution, vertical transportation (if applicable), and building management systems (BMS).

c)    Tender Documentation and Procurement Support

1. Drawings and Specifications: Preparation of detailed engineering and construction drawings, 3D renderings, technical specifications, and material schedules.
2. Bills of Quantities (BOQs): Preparation of detailed, itemized bills of quantities for all civil, marine, architectural, and MEP works.
3. Tender Documents: Preparation of complete tender documents (including instructions to bidders, conditions of contract, forms, and schedules) suitable for international competitive bidding or other procurement methods as determined by MPL.

D. Key Contractor Obligations & Requirements

Interested firms are required to submit a comprehensive Expression of Interest package comprising the following information. Submissions will be reviewed to assess the firm's capacity to undertake a project of this scale and technical complexity.

a)     Letter of Interest

• A formal letter of interest on the firm's letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, expressing interest in the assignment.

b)     Company Profile and Background

• Full legal name, registered address, and contact details of the firm (or lead firm in case of a joint venture).
• Year and country of incorporation.
• Details of ownership and organizational structure.
• Number of permanent staff and key technical disciplines available in-house.
• Copies of valid business registration certificates and tax clearance certificates.

c)     Joint Ventures and Associations

• If the EOI is submitted as a joint venture (JV) or association, the following additional information shall be provided:
• Name of the lead partner.
• Draft JV agreement or memorandum of understanding outlining the roles and responsibilities of each partner, clearly defining how the team will collectively meet the full scope of the ER.
• Profile and background of each partner firm (as per sections above).
• Confirmation that all partners will be jointly and severally liable for the performance of the contract.

E. Evaluation and Next Steps

a)     EOIs received will be reviewed by MPL to confirm that the required information has been provided and to assess the general capabilities of the interested parties.

b)     All firms that submit a complete EOI in accordance with the requirements set forth in this notice will be registered as interested parties for this project.

c)      A comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to all registered firms. The RFP will contain the full Conditions of Contract, detailed evaluation criteria, and instructions for submitting a technical and financial proposal for the assignment.

d)     MPL reserves the right to seek clarifications from respondents during the review process.

F. 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 – Detailed Design Works (Port & Buildings) - LHRP”.

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.

G. Deadline

a)     The deadline of the EOI submission is on the 25^th of March 2026, by 13:00HRS, Maldives Time (GMT+5). Late submissions will not be accepted.

H. Queries and clarifications:

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

b)     Please include "EOI QUERY: Detailed Design Works (Port & Buildings)" in the subject line of your email.

c)      The deadline for submitting queries is 23^rd March 2026, 13:00HRS Maldives Time.

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