Leading the Logistics Industry in the Maldives

The Maldives is a picturesque archipelago consisting of over 1,000 tropical islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Among these, 200 islands are inhabited, and more than 100 are dedicated to luxury resorts, with the number of resort islands growing each year. However, the vast geographical spread of these islands, spread across multiple atolls, made the transportation and delivery of goods—especially heavy industrial materials—a logistical nightmare for many years. This posed significant challenges for both the government and local businesses, hindering economic development, infrastructure growth, and business expansion across the country.

In response to this pressing issue, Mr. Abdulla Sawad founded Leo Trading Pvt. Ltd. in 2002, with the clear vision of solving the logistical barriers that had long plagued the Maldives. His goal was to create efficient, reliable solutions for transporting goods, materials, and equipment to the scattered islands, ensuring the smooth flow of business and development. With determination and a deep understanding of the challenges posed by the island nation’s geography, Leo Trading quickly grew into one of the Maldives’ most prominent construction and logistics companies.

In just a few short years, Leo Trading emerged as the undisputed leader in both construction and logistics, playing a transformative role in the Maldives’ economic and infrastructural growth. By overcoming the complex challenges of island transportation, the company unlocked new opportunities for development, turning obstacles into stepping stones. Today, Leo Trading remains a cornerstone of the nation’s progress, driving innovation, fostering business growth, and helping shape the Maldives into a thriving, connected hub in the Indian Ocean.

What began as a humble trading company in Malé, Leo Trading initially focused on wholesale FMCGs and industrial consumables. With a competitive market landscape, the company’s leadership recognized the need to pivot towards industrial goods and services, a shift that laid the foundation for future growth and success.

Today, Leo Trading stands as the largest logistics provider in the Maldives, managing the movement of over 80% of the country’s physical and industrial goods. Their efficient and reliable services ensure that goods reach their destination promptly, meeting the diverse needs of businesses across the nation.

The company’s areas of expertise include a broad range of services such as leasing heavy construction equipment, shipment and cargo clearance, discharging shipments, excavation, backfilling, compacting, and the construction of critical infrastructure like pipelines and sewerage systems.

With a team of over 600 employees across key locations, Leo Trading operates a vast fleet of over 100 vehicles, both on land and sea, including dhonis, barges, landing crafts, tugboats, speedboats, cranes, forklifts, excavators, and more. Additionally, the company uses heavy industrial machinery, such as generators, hydraulic hammers, and lighting towers, to support its extensive operations. This diverse range of equipment and services allows Leo Trading to address the most complex logistics and construction challenges in the Maldives.

From revolutionizing logistics in the Maldives to powering the nation’s development, Leo Trading continues to set the benchmark for excellence, moving goods, services, and industries forward—one island at a time.