Maldives to Launch Deep Seawater Desalination Plant by Mid-2025

The Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) is nearing the completion of critical surveys for a pioneering project to extract drinking water from seawater at a depth of 500 metres. Managing Director Hussain Fahmy announced that physical construction of the treatment plant is expected to begin by mid-next year. Speaking during a “Let’s Connect” session with journalists, Fahmy detailed the project's strategic approach, which involves a partnership with a specialized Norwegian firm. The collaboration leverages international expertise in deep-sea technology, a method already proven successful in several developed nations. Technical studies have identified the offshore waters facing Giravaru Falhu as the most viable location for the facility. According to Fahmy, seawater sourced from 500 metres deep is significantly cleaner than both surface water and groundwater extracted from boreholes. The lower levels of organic matter found at this depth are expected to increase treatment efficiency and substantially reduce operational costs. While the project initially sparked questions regarding its feasibility, MWSC confirmed that the official agreement has been signed. The company is currently finalizing the technical, environmental, and feasibility studies required to move from the planning phase to active construction. Under the proposed business model, the Norwegian partner will manage the production of the water, which MWSC will then purchase at an agreed price. This arrangement is designed to bolster the national water production capacity without placing the entire operational burden on the state utility. This initiative marks a shift toward more sustainable and technologically advanced water security for the Maldives, reducing reliance on traditional desalination methods that often struggle with organic contaminants in shallower waters.