Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced for the submission of bids for the design and construction of a yacht marina to be developed in Haa Alifu Uligan.
In an announcement, MPL said it is seeking a party to undertake both the design and construction of the Uligan Yacht Marina. Interested parties have been asked to submit their estimated bids by the stipulated deadline.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 1:00 pm next Monday, according to the notice.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu first announced plans for the marina during a visit to Haa Alifu Atoll in January last year, when he said the government had signed a MoU with MPL to develop the facility.
He said the project forms part of the government’s plan to develop a special economic project in Uligan as a long term expansion initiative.
Uligan is already known as a stopover point for yachts travelling across the Indian Ocean, particularly vessels sailing between Southeast Asia and Europe via the Red Sea. Yachts travelling from countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and Thailand often anchor in the area.
Around 100-150 yachts dock in Uligan each year, but facilities to properly service them are currently limited.
MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim previously said companies from Turkey and China had expressed interest in developing the marina.
He said that even if the project is built by an external investor under contractor financing, MPL would remain responsible for operating the facility.
