Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has awarded the contract for the development of a modern yacht marina in Uligan, Haa Alifu Atoll, to SASe Construction Pvt Ltd, marking an important step in enhancing maritime infrastructure in the northern region of the Maldives. The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the MPL head office, where Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ali Hashim signed on behalf of Maldives Ports Limited and Managing Director Abdulla Sawad represented SASe Construction Pvt Ltd.
The project reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier maritime and yachting destination while creating new economic opportunities for communities in the northern atolls. Uligan, located at the northernmost tip of the Maldives, occupies a strategic position along major international sea routes and has long been recognised as a convenient port of call for yachts travelling across the Indian Ocean. During peak tourism seasons, the island regularly receives a significant number of international yachts and their passengers who arrive while journeying between major cruising destinations in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Despite the steady flow of visiting vessels over the years, the absence of dedicated marina facilities has limited the island’s ability to fully support and benefit from the growing yachting segment. Visiting yachts have often relied on temporary anchoring arrangements without access to specialised infrastructure or streamlined services. The new marina development is designed to address this challenge by providing a modern facility capable of supporting yacht operations while improving the overall visitor experience for international sailors and tourists arriving in the northern Maldives.
The first phase of the project, which will be implemented by SASe Construction Pvt Ltd, focuses on establishing a marina capable of accommodating up to 18 yachts simultaneously. The design includes a three-metre-wide floating platform that will enable the safe berthing of vessels ranging from 12 to 15 metres in length. This infrastructure will provide a secure and organised docking environment for visiting yachts, offering improved accessibility and convenience for both crew and passengers.
In addition to providing berthing facilities, the marina will be equipped with essential services required by international yachts, ensuring that vessels travelling through the region can access reliable support during their stay. Integrated immigration and customs services will also be available at the marina, enabling international visitors to complete entry procedures efficiently upon arrival. This approach is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and provide a seamless experience for visiting sailors while reinforcing the Maldives’ reputation as a welcoming destination for maritime tourism.
The development is also expected to support the growth of a specialised service sector in Uligan, creating new opportunities for local businesses and residents. As yacht arrivals increase, demand for provisioning services, maintenance support, hospitality, tourism activities and related maritime services is anticipated to expand. This broader ecosystem of services is expected to stimulate economic activity within the island and surrounding communities, allowing local stakeholders to benefit directly from the increasing presence of international yacht travellers.
Maldives Ports Limited has also announced that it is seeking operational partners to manage the new marina facility and guide its future expansion. Through partnerships with experienced operators, MPL aims to ensure the marina operates to international standards while exploring opportunities for further development that could enhance the Maldives’ presence in the global yachting industry.
With the Maldives already recognised worldwide for its luxury tourism and pristine marine environment, the development of the Uligan yacht marina is expected to complement the country’s tourism offerings by catering to the growing number of private yachts and cruising vessels exploring the Indian Ocean. The project demonstrates a broader commitment to diversifying tourism infrastructure, strengthening maritime services and unlocking new economic potential in the northern atolls while reinforcing the Maldives as an attractive destination for international maritime travellers.
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