Jan De Nul’s giant dredger arrives in Maldives to expedite land reclamation projects

A dredging vessel, capable of reclaiming one hectare of land per day – leased by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), has arrived in the Maldives.

The Jan De Nul’s trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Filippo Brunelleschi arrived in the Maldives last night and is currently undergoing customs clearance.

The vessel is currently docked at Haa Alif atoll Uligan.

After the customs clearance is completed, the TSHD will proceed to Haa Alif atoll Ihavandhoo to begin the work.

The giant dredger measures 142.5 meters (467 feet) in length and 27.5 meters (90 feet) in width, with a simultaneous loading capacity of 11,300 cubic meters.

The TSHD will reclaim land on nine islands, including:

• Haa Alif Ihavandhoo,

• Shaviyani atoll Komandoo,

• Alif Alif atoll Ukulhas,

• Alif Alif atoll Bodufolhudhoo,

• Raa atoll Ungoofaaru,

• Meemu atoll Dhiggaru,

• Faafu atoll Feeali,

• Kaafu atoll Dhiffushi, and

• Kaafu atoll Gulhi.

According to MTCC CEO Adam Azim, all these islands will have their land reclaimed by the end of October this year.