Land reclamation works in HA. Dhidhdhoo are set to officially commence tomorrow, marking a major milestone in the Government’s drive to expand critical infrastructure and unlock long-term economic growth in the northern Maldives.
The project follows the arrival of the mega trailing suction hopper dredger Leiv Eiriksson, which reached Dhidhdhoo yesterday and is now anchored in position to begin reclaiming the lagoon on the island’s western side. Physical works are scheduled to start tomorrow, targeting land earmarked for the development of an airport and other essential infrastructure.
A ceremonial event to mark the start of the project will be held tomorrow at 4:00 pm in Dhidhdhoo, with Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and Maldives Airports Company Limited Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed in attendance. The land reclamation has been commissioned to Maldives Airports Company Limited by the Government.
The deployment of Leiv Eiriksson represents a significant upgrade in national reclamation capacity. Acquired by MACL to accelerate government development projects, the vessel is among the largest dredgers in the world and can pump up to 46,000 cubic metres of sand in a single load. The Dhidhdhoo project alone will reclaim a total area of 102.73 hectares.
President announced last October that Dhidhdhoo would be the first destination for the newly acquired dredger, underscoring the administration’s focus on balanced regional development. According to the President, reclamation works in Dhidhdhoo are expected to be completed within two to three weeks, after which the dredger will be mobilised to Shaviyani Atoll for further projects.
MACL is currently operating two other large dredgers on major reclamation works at Hulhumalé Phase 3 and Ras Malé, reflecting the scale and momentum of the Government’s infrastructure agenda.
The Dhidhdhoo reclamation project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, stimulate investment, and lay the groundwork for aviation-linked economic activity in the northern atolls, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to delivering strategic development beyond the capital region.
