First Maldives marina to open early in 2019

The Maldives is readily known for its beauty and considerable potential as a superyacht cruising area, but while it has a number boat and yacht mooring locations, the country is still without a proper marina. This is set to change over the next couple of years with a new 30-berth facility opening in early 2019 and a larger 300-berth facility set to be completed in 2020.

The new 30 berth marina, the first in the Maldives, will open at the new Crossroads resort in January 2019 and will accommodate yachts up to 60m (197ft). Crossroads is described as “the most comprehensive and investment tourism project being undertaken in the Maldives.”

The marina will include one 60m berth and four 40m (131ft) berths. Poralu Marine has provided the floating pontoon and Maricer Marine is supplying the pedestals, electrical, plumbing and other services.

Crossroads is a multi-island complex with the new marina at its centre. The resort includes a number of hotels, including a Hilton and Hard Rock. The resort is based on an island close to the Maldivian capital of Mahe, just 15 minutes by motorboat to Maldives International Airport.

The resort was developed by Thai property company Singha Estate, part of the Boonrawd Brewery Group which has been listed on the Thailand Stock Exchange since 2014. The marina is managed by Jalboot Holdings, headquartered in Abu Dhabi and the manager is John Paul, who formerly worked at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Jalboot has a range of marine activities including dealerships for such as Mastercraft and Fjord boats plus it operates a network of ferry and water taxi services in the UAE.

The second project, the Hulhumale Marina and Cruise terminal, is due to open in 2020. It will provide some 300 berths for yachts up to 37m (120ft). The marina is sited on the western side of Hulhumale island and the facility is being promoted through the Maldives branch of Asia Pacific Superyachts. The cruise berth will be able to accommodate cruise ships up to 219m (720ft).

The new marina is seen as a key facility for the future of the Maldivian tourist industry. The facility is located close to the international airport. The marina will also include retail shops, a yacht club, exhibition area, FNB outlets and dry berths for craft.