Boskalis has begun the second phase of ongoing land reclamation activities on the island of Gulhifalhu in Maldives.
The second phase will entail dredging and reclaiming to further develop the island. This phase will also enable housing as well as the further development of the port.
To mitigate possible adverse effects of the reclamation, Boskalis is implementing various measures including coral relocation and measures to limit the spreading of sediments in the water in combination with regular monitoring of the water quality.
The development of Gulhifalhu, which is located approximately four kilometres from the capital Malé, is part of a strategic plan to improve and develop the port infrastructure as well as ensure this part of the Maldives is resilient to rising sea levels. For the second phase of the island's expansion, Boskalis deployed the trailing suction hopper dredger Oranje to reclaim new land using approximately 18 million cubic metres of sand.
The contract awarded to Boskalis for the reclamation carries a value of approximately €120 million (US$130.6 million).