Rasmale’ Land Reclamation Reaches 30% Completion, MACL Says
Photo: MACL
The Rasmale’ land reclamation project has reached 30 per cent completion, with 41 hectares reclaimed so far, according to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
In an update shared on X, MACL said reclamation works at Rasmale’ Site A began on 1 of this month, and continue to progress with the deployment of Cristóbal Colón, one of the world’s largest trailer suction hopper dredgers. The vessel, operated by Belgian firm Jan De Nul, has a dredging capacity of 46,000 cubic metres.
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Rasmale’ Land Reclamation Project Update:
41 hectares have been successfully reclaimed, representing 30% overall progress. Reclamation works at Rasmale’ Site A commenced on 1 December 2025. The works are being carried out using Cristóbal Colón, one of the world’s largest Trailer… pic.twitter.com/W7OTtKJH7x— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) December 24, 2025
Authorities have previously said the pace of reclamation increased significantly following the mobilisation of the dredger, which was brought in to accelerate land creation in the K. Fushidhiggaru Falhu lagoon. The vessel arrived at the project site at the end of November and began active dredging and discharge operations the following day.
The government has stated that the increased dredging capacity is intended to fast-track reclamation works required for housing development in the Greater Malé region, with the aim of completing the land reclamation phase by early next year.
The Environmental Regulation Authority (ERA) said on Monday that it has received a growing number of complaints about dredging taking place outside permitted zones, as well as work continuing on days when the Maldives Meteorological Service had issued a yellow alert related to sand mining. ERA warned that it would pursue legal action against permit holders who breach their conditions, but did not identify any specific parties accused of violations.
