Eydhafushi Harbour Expansion Reaches 54% Completion to Ease Baa Atoll Congestion

The expansion of the Eydhafushi harbour in the capital of Baa Atoll has reached 54 percent completion, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) announced. The USD 4.2 million project aims to modernize a critical maritime hub that has struggled to keep pace with the island's rapid development. As a primary commercial center for the atoll, the harbour facilitates the movement of numerous vessels and essential goods between neighboring islands. However, increased economic activity and a growing number of vessels have led to significant congestion, prompting the need for a comprehensive upgrade of the existing facilities. MTCC reports that crews are currently focused on capping concrete works. The technical scope of the project is extensive, involving 28,304 cubic meters of land reclamation and 3,354 cubic meters of channel dredging to ensure safer and deeper vessel access. The infrastructure upgrades include 402 meters of inner embankment, 170 meters of outer embankment, and 383 meters of rivetment installation to protect the shoreline. To improve operational efficiency, the development also includes the construction of an 18-meter wide pier and an 11-meter by 11-meter ramp. Additionally, the project features 1,814 square meters of new pavement, a modern mooring system, and integrated port lighting to enhance safety and accessibility for night operations. First established in 1995, the Eydhafushi harbour was once the largest island harbour ever built in the Maldives. While it served as a benchmark for decades, the surge in maritime traffic and the evolving economic needs of the Baa Atoll residents have made this expansion essential for the region's continued growth.