HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
Maldives Ports Limited
Date: 22 nd June 2015
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure
Participants:
1. Ahmed Nasheed- Deputy Harbour Master
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) was consulted on 22 nd June 2015 at the Ministry of Housing and
Infrastructure.
The main issue consulted with MPL was the issue of diverting the marine traffic of Gaadhoo
Koa. MPL pointed out that it has already started practicing the use of Bodu Kalhi as an
alternative route to Gaadhoo Koa, but states that some vessels are still using Gaadhoo Koa as the
channel has not yet been closed off. According to MPL, diversion will only be required for
shipping lines, since all other boats will be able to pass under the bridge. These shipping lines
are already adjusting to the change. MPL states that Bodu Kalhi is more preferable over
Gaadhoo Koa considering better safety and ease of maintaining the traffic. However, MPL
highlights that the cost implication of using the alternative route would be very high due to
increased fuel consumption resulting from the extra travel distance added.
One of the concerns raised in the meeting was the potential increase in marine traffic near resorts
with the use of the alternative route. MPL states that these boats will not produce significant boat
wakes; hence the effect of boat wakes on the resort islands will be minimal. MPL will be
communicating with some resorts regarding installing lighting and towers.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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