The development of a harbour for liveaboards has begun at Dhiyaneru Lagoon in Kaafu Atoll.
The concept for the development of a harbour at Dhiyaneru Lagoon was designed to benefit liveaboard operators. Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that boating plays an important role in the development of tourism, as it contributed to the Maldives overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and winning the World Leading Destination Award three years in a row. He also said that the harbour will address the lack of infrastructure which has prevented more liveaboards from going into operation.
In August, Housing Development Corporation Limited (HDC) contracted Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company Private Limited (CMC) for the land reclamation and infrastructure development project in Hulhumale’ Phase III, Dhiyaneru Lagoon, and Thilafushi Area D. The project involves reclaiming 62.6 hectares in Hulhumale’ Phase III, 24.6 hectares in Dhiyaneru, and 9.6 hectares in Thilafushi Area D. The government aims to develop a harbour with berthing services for liveaboards and supply vessels in Dhiyaneru Lagoon. The harbour will accommodate safe mooring with marina services for 500 vessels of different sizes.
The National Boating Association of the Maldives (NBAM) has commended the commencement of the project, stating that it will be a permanent solution for the challenges faced by liveaboard operators. The association noted that there is currently no harbour specialised for liveaboards, despite the businesses existing for 50 years. It added that the association has addressed these issues with previous governments without results.