Royal Boskalis Westminster has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure, Republic of Maldives, in relation to the development of the Port of Gulhifalhu.
The contract carries a value of approximately €45 million (US$50 million). Dredging activities are due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019 and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2020.
The development of Gulhifalhu, located about four kilometres from the country's capital Malé, forms part of the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure's strategic plan to improve and develop the port infrastructure and will serve as a climate adaptive solution, making this part of the Maldives resilient to rising sea levels.
As part of this programme, Boskalis will reclaim an area with an initial volume of six million cubic metres of sand using a trailing suction hopper dredger. Boskalis' activities also include rock revetment work for shoreline protection.