MPL Reopens for Investors to Develop and Operate Uligan Yacht Marina  

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has re-opened the application of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the second time within this month, seeking local and international firms to develop, operate and commercialise the Uligan Yacht Marina in Ha. Uligan.

In a gazette announcement, MPL said the project aims to establish a major marina destination in the northern Maldives, combining yachting services with hospitality, tourism and lifestyle facilities. The selected partner will act as master developer and marina operator, with the project expected to progress to a Request for Proposals (RFP) stage following pre-qualification.

advertisement

advertisement

The selected partner will be responsible for marina operations, including berthing, utilities, fuel, waste and technical services, as well as maintenance and customer services. It will also be expected to invest in and develop land-based facilities such as a hotel or boutique resort, restaurants, retail outlets, crew facilities and watersports and wellness facilities.

MPL said it is developing the core marina infrastructure, including a dredged marina basin and access channel, breakwater and coastal protection works, a reinforced concrete jetty and floating pontoons, and an ISPS-compliant international entry facility.

The company said Uligan’s location along Indian Ocean yachting routes connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean provides an opportunity to develop existing yacht traffic into a formal marina economy.

Potential commercial arrangements include a long-term lease with development obligations or a concession model incorporating build-transfer-operate or build-operate-transfer elements.

EOIs can be submitted by individual companies or joint ventures and consortia. Applicants must provide, among other documents, audited financial statements for the past three years and a bank reference letter demonstrating creditworthiness.

The deadline for submissions is 2 pm on 5 October, while queries must be submitted by 2 pm on 30 September.

This is the second time MPL has invited EOIs for a marina project this month. On 9 September, MPL opened an EOI process with a 12 September deadline for proposals for a marina project.