The visionary project to establish a dedicated harbour for liveaboards at Dhiyaneru Lagoon in Kaafu Atoll has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone for the Maldives' maritime industry.

The brainchild of this transformative endeavour is geared towards fortifying the liveaboard sector, a vital component of the Maldivian tourism landscape. Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, emphasized the pivotal role played by boating in the nation's resurgence from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a triumphant three-year streak of the Maldives being crowned the World Leading Destination. Dr. Mausoom further highlighted that the harbour's inception will address the longstanding infrastructural lacuna that has hindered the full potential of liveaboards.

In a landmark agreement this August, Housing Development Corporation Limited (HDC) inked a contract with Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company Private Limited (CMC) to spearhead the land reclamation and infrastructure development venture encompassing Hulhumale’ Phase III, Dhiyaneru Lagoon, and Thilafushi Area D. The ambitious undertaking encompasses the reclamation of 62.6 hectares in Hulhumale’ Phase III, 24.6 hectares in Dhiyaneru, and 9.6 hectares in Thilafushi Area D. The government's vision is to create a state-of-the-art harbour offering berthing services for liveaboards and supply vessels at Dhiyaneru Lagoon. This new harbour is set to facilitate secure mooring, complemented by marina services catering to a diverse fleet of 500 vessels of varying sizes.

The National Boating Association of the Maldives (NBAM) has expressed its resounding support for this groundbreaking project, hailing it as the long-awaited panacea for the challenges confronting liveaboard operators. Remarkably, despite the industry's existence for half a century, there has been a conspicuous absence of a dedicated harbour tailored to the unique needs of liveaboards. The association underscored its unwavering efforts in previous dialogues with various administrations, lamenting the absence of tangible progress.

This monumental undertaking promises to reshape the maritime landscape of the Maldives, unleashing a new era of possibilities for liveaboard operators and further solidifying the nation's position as a global leader in tourism. The Dhiyaneru Lagoon harbour is poised to be a beacon of innovation, setting the stage for a thriving future for the liveaboard industry