Universal Boatyard has announced the launch of the UNICRAFT 55, a newly developed vessel created to meet the expanding and changing demands of the Maldivian dive and excursion market. Designed and built in the Maldives, the UNICRAFT 55 combines traditional Maldivian boatbuilding knowledge with modern marine engineering, offering tourism operators a practical, efficient, and high-performing option for a wide range of sea-based experiences. The new vessel reflects the continued strength of local innovation in supporting one of the Maldives’ most important economic sectors and is expected to appeal strongly to resorts, dive centres, excursion providers, and marine leisure businesses seeking reliable and guest-focused solutions.
Developed as a multi-purpose vessel, the UNICRAFT 55 is well suited for diving, snorkelling, leisure fishing, and island-hopping excursions, making it a valuable addition to the tourism and hospitality landscape of the Maldives. Its 100 per cent locally driven design draws inspiration from the country’s rich maritime heritage and island way of life, while responding to the practical needs of today’s tourism operators. For resorts across the Maldives, where guest experiences are increasingly shaped by seamless access to marine activities, the introduction of a vessel such as the UNICRAFT 55 presents fresh opportunities to elevate service standards, improve operational flexibility, and deliver memorable ocean experiences in a setting renowned worldwide for its natural beauty.
A key strength of the UNICRAFT 55 lies in its diver-focused layout, which has been thoughtfully arranged to improve efficiency, comfort, and convenience during operations. The vessel features clearly designated wet and dry areas, allowing equipment handling and passenger movement to be managed in a more organised manner. It also provides generous storage capacity for dive gear and spare equipment, supporting longer and more demanding excursions with greater ease. A well-designed hardtop relaxation area further enhances the onboard experience by giving guests a comfortable space to rinse off, rest, and enjoy the journey between dive sessions. This attention to operational detail makes the vessel especially suitable for resorts and dive operators that place a premium on high-quality guest service and smooth excursion management.
In terms of performance, the UNICRAFT 55 offers a cruising speed of 18 knots, making it faster than many traditional dive boats operating in the Maldives. This speed advantage can help operators reach dive sites more quickly, manage daily schedules more effectively, and create a more convenient and enjoyable experience for guests. In a destination where time on the water is central to the holiday experience, improved transfer efficiency can add significant value for resorts and excursion businesses aiming to maximise both guest satisfaction and operational productivity. The vessel’s spacious and functional layout also supports higher-capacity operations, making it particularly well suited for snorkelling trips and island excursions involving larger groups, while maintaining comfort and safety onboard.
Passenger comfort has remained central to the design of the UNICRAFT 55. Through advanced engineering and careful construction, the vessel offers minimal vibration and a smooth, stable ride, even over longer distances. This provides an important benefit for guests seeking a relaxed and enjoyable journey at sea, whether travelling for a half-day excursion or a full-day experience. For resorts and tourism providers, vessels that offer both comfort and dependable performance are increasingly important in meeting the expectations of international travellers, many of whom look for premium service across every stage of their stay in the Maldives.
Commenting on the launch, Universal Boatyard General Manager Shameem Mohamed said the UNICRAFT 55 reflects the company’s commitment to building vessels that are both innovative and firmly rooted in Maldivian tradition. He noted that the objective was to create a boat that genuinely responds to the needs of today’s operators while also enhancing the overall guest experience, adding that it is a vessel the company is proud to say was designed and built in the Maldives. His remarks underline the significance of local expertise in advancing marine manufacturing standards and supporting the continued development of tourism-related infrastructure across the country.
With the introduction of the UNICRAFT 55, Universal Boatyard further reinforces its reputation for delivering high-quality, locally inspired marine solutions that prioritise durability, comfort, and strong operational performance. As the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading ocean tourism destinations, investments in locally designed vessels such as the UNICRAFT 55 highlight the country’s growing capacity to pair heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation in support of global hospitality excellence.
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