In a move designed to capitalise on its strategic location and burgeoning yacht traffic, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has officially awarded the contract for the development of a modern yacht marina in Uligan, Haa Alifu Atoll, to SASe Construction Pvt Ltd.
The agreement was formally signed at a ceremony held at the MPL head office, with Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ali Hashim signing on behalf of MPL and Managing Director Abdulla Sawad representing SASe Construction.
This development directly addresses a long-standing opportunity in the northernmost atoll. Uligan is a well-known and common port of call for international yachts, particularly during the peak tourist season, when the island sees a large influx of vessels and their passengers. However, the lack of dedicated facilities has been a persistent challenge.
The new marina project, a key government initiative, aims to transform this passing traffic into sustained economic benefits for the local community by establishing a specialised service sector for Uligan.
The first phase of the project, to be executed by SASe Construction, will focus on creating a marina capable of accommodating 18 yachts simultaneously. The infrastructure will include a three-metre-wide floating platform designed to safely berth vessels measuring between 12 and 15 metres in length.
Beyond just docking space, the marina will be equipped to provide essential services for yachts and will feature integrated immigration and customs services, streamlining the process for international visitors.
MPL has also announced it is seeking operational partners to manage the new facility and spearhead its further development.