Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has launched its fifth and largest dredger in the region.
The cutter suction dredger named Bodu Jarraaf was inaugurated by Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam at a ceremony held in Dhaandhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The first project to be carried out using the dredger will be the land reclamation of Dhaandhoo.
MTCC stated the Bodu Jarraaf is one of the largest in the region and it is the latest model of IHC Beaver's Cutter Suction Dredger, capable of extracting sand from a depth of 18m. The dredger can also be used to dredge and construct harbours by extracting sand from the island's lagoon. The new dredger will reduce the cost of sand mining, according to the state-owned company. MTCC also has a trailing suction dredger named Mahaa Jarraaf in its fleet which is capable of extracting sand from a depth of 12m.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said the reclamation project in Dhaandhoo will be completed by next month. The reclaimed area will be joined with Dhaandhoo by building a bridge connecting the two land areas. In addition, MTCC said the addition of a beach following the completion of the project would provide residents with an area for leisure activities.
The Land Reclamation and Shore Protection Project of Dhaandhoo was contracted to MTCC by the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in November 2020. The scope of the project consists of dredging and reclamation operations of 25 hectares, construction of a 1,238m rock boulder revetment, and 240m groynes. MTCC is tasked with completing the project at a cost of USD12 million.