The barge to be used for the critical surveys and other important deep water works of the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP) has arrived in the Maldives.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure revealed the jackup barge would be used for hydrographic and geotechnical surveys of the project. The ministry noted the barge will also be used during the construction of the bridge, for the operation of certain equipment and machinery.
Under the contract for GMCP, Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited is tasked with bridging the link between Male' and Thilafushi, which includes a 6.7-kilometre sea crossing link from the southwest corner of Male', running adjacent to the south shore of Villimale’, then along the southern periphery of the reclaimed island of Gulhifalhu and terminating on the reclaimed island of Thilafushi. The project scope includes the construction of three navigation bridges, viaducts, and on-grade roads. The project is funded through a USD 400 million line of credit from Indian Exim Bank and by a USD 100 million grant from the Government of India.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone.