Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) announced yesterday that they are seeking a company to manage and operate the yacht marina being built at HA. Uligan.

MPL's announcement reads that they are now open to receiving Expressions of Interest's (EOI) from experienced Maldivian or foreign companies, or a joint venture in developing and operating a world-class yacht marina in Uligan.

A private company named SAS e Construction Pvt Ltd has already been awarded the work to establish a floating pontoon system and dock, dredging the lagoon for the base infrastructure of the Uligan marina and coastal protection construction. MPL has also received the plot for the construction of the marina.

MPL said that companies that are interested in operating the marina have to provide yacht docking services, stations that can provide fuel, electricity and water to vessels, and an area where vessel repair work can be conducted. Additionally, MPL said that Restaurant/cafe's, retail shops, marine hotel/resort, crew facilities, water sports centers and wellness centers need to be established as well.

The announcement also reads that the company that will operate the yacht marina will be responsible for advertising Uligan on international yacht routes, global branding and securing charter partners.

MPL stated that the yacht marina will be leased for a long period of time on a Build and Operate basis to the company that will be operating it.

The deadline for submitting the EOI is 21st September.

Under the first phase of the project, SAS e Construction Pvt Ltd will develop a marina capable of accommodating 18 yachts at a time. MPL stated previously that the facility will also provide basic services for yachts, including immigration and customs services.

Uligan, located at the northern tip of Maldives, is a common entry point for yachts arriving from abroad. The government aims to develop the marina as a key economic activity for the island, expanding services for international yachts and generating economic benefits for the area.