Uligam in Haa Alif Atoll is set to become an important hub for yachts used for recreational and commercial purposes, with a newly developed yacht marina, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said.
Uligam is a common destination for yachts arriving in the Maldives from abroad. During the peak tourist season each year, a large number of yachts dock at the island, bringing many tourists ashore. However, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of facilities on the island to provide services to these visitors. The Government aims to develop a yacht marina specifically in Uligam, expand these services and generate economic benefits.
In a post shared on social media, Minister Saeed said that, with the establishment of the new yacht marina, Uligam and the northern region would become an important hub for yachts used for recreational and commercial purposes. He added that the marina would ensure convenient, safe and easy-to-use port services for such vessels.
To secure the land required to establish the yacht marina in Uligam , Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has signed an agreement with the Uligam Island Council. MPL is preparing to commence physical work on the yacht marina this month. The project has been contracted to SAS e Construction Private Limited.
According to MPL's earlier statements, the first phase of the project will develop a marina capable of accommodating 18 yachts at a time. The marina is expected to provide the main services required by yachts, while immigration and customs services will also be available at the facility.
A designated area has been allocated in Uligam specifically for the development of the yacht marina. MPL has said that the floating platform to be installed at sea will be three metres wide. The facility will be accessible to vessels measuring between 12 and 15 metres in length.
Located at the northernmost point of the Maldives and close to international maritime routes, Uligam is well positioned to benefit from the development. Establishing a yacht marina on the island is expected to further advance the Maldives' maritime and tourism sectors.