Over 74 Percent of Hulhumalé Phase III Dredging Completed, Says MACL

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that 74.6 percent of the dredging work for Phase III of the Hulhumalé development project has now been completed.

Dredging for Phase III, which is planned primarily as a housing area, resumed on November 10 after a period of suspension. The project was initially launched in September 2023 during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, at which time 24 hectares of land were reclaimed.

Hulhumalé Phase 03 Update:

47 hectares reclaimed, with overall progress reaching 74.6%. Land reclamation works continue steadily with two dredgers actively operating on site. pic.twitter.com/7MVjHKPi20

— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) December 27, 2025

According to MACL, 47 hectares have been dredged so far under the current phase, accounting for 74.6 percent of the total planned work. Phase III involves the reclamation of 63 hectares, with the remaining 38 hectares being dredged after work on the project recommenced.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced late last month that dredging activities in both the Giravaru lagoon and Hulhumalé Phase III would be completed within three months. The announcement coincided with the arrival of an additional dredger from the Netherlands, which was brought in to accelerate progress on the project. Prior to this, dredging work had been carried out using a single dredger.

The President has also stated that reclamation work for Phase III is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Dredging operations are currently being conducted using two trailing suction hopper dredgers, TSHD Prins der Nederlanden and TSHD Oranje, each with a capacity of 22,000 cubic metres.

Capital Marine and Civil Construction has been contracted to carry out the reclamation work for Phase III. The Ministry of Construction has previously stated that delays to the project were caused by a review of the Hulhumalé master plan.