MPL has declared that efforts are underway to establish a yatch marina in Ha. Uligan in order to faciliate the means for the island to sufficiently service the large number of yachts that travel dock at the island each year from January through April.
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has declared that efforts are underway to establish a yacht marina in Haa Alif atoll Uligan, located in the northernmost atoll of Maldives, which remains a docking hotspot for international yacht.
Uligan has become a popular anchorage destination for a large number of yachts from countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia which travel towards Europe after passing the northernmost waters of Maldives, across the Red Sea.
Several yachts typically travel through this route each year from January through April.
CEO of MPL, Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim shared with Mihaaru News yesterday that with the project to establish international bunkering services in Haa Alif atoll Ihavandhippolhu under developments promised for the north, the company had also envisioned developing a yacht marina in Uligan.
Wajeeh said that the island has been unable to provide sufficient service to the vessels so far despite the frequent anchoring of 100-150 yachts at Uligan each year.
"[We] have acquired the land [to build a yacht marina] after negotiating with the council. Efforts to acquire some permits for the work is ongoing right now. [We are] expecting the work to begin within this year." said Wajeeh.
Alongside Ulimagu, Haa Alif atoll as a whole will also benefit significantly from this development to establish a yacht marina alongside, said Wajeeh.
According to him, a Chinese and Turkish company has expressed interest in assuming the project.
Although the project will commence under a contractor financing scheme, Wajeed assured that the yacht marina will be operated by MPL themselves.
Meanwhile, MPL is also working to facilitate methods to generate additional income to the company through the international bunkering project being proceeded in Haa Alif atoll Ihavandhippolhu by State Trading Organization (STO).
Wajeeh said that MPL has acquired a land plot from Ulimagu to establish offices of Maldives Customs and Maldives Immigration in order to provide bunkering services.
"The resources required by Customs and Immigration for bunkering services will be established by MPL. And MPL will also directly offer crew change and pilotage services as well." said Wajeeh.
Wajeeh said the company is also making efforts to identify other means of financially benefiting through the developments being presented to northern atolls by the administration.
Among this, he revealed that MPL is contemplating on developing a cruise line terminal in the north to service passenger cruise liners that visit the country.
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