Formerly known as the Mauritius Marine Authority (MMA), the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) is the sole national port authority set up under the Ports Act 1998, to regulate and control the port sectors in the Republic of Mauritius, including Rodrigues and all outer islands. The MPA is a landlord port authority, providing the main port infrastructure and superstructure, together with related facilities. It also provides marine services and navigation aids, while it regulates and controls all port activities and environmental issues within the designated port areas.

As the principal gateway of the country, Port Louis Harbour plays a vital role in the national economy by handling about 99% of the total volume of the external trade. All strategic imports such as food and petroleum products, raw materials for the textile industry, and major exports such as sugar and textile, transit through the harbour.