China’s CHEC Joins Ras Malé Reclamation as Govt Expands Contractor Base and Deploys Mega-Dredger

The government has intensified efforts on the Ras Malé land reclamation project, deploying a high-capacity dredger and expanding its contractor base, in a significant escalation of its largest ongoing infrastructure initiative. Government officials say the move is designed to accelerate the creation of new land aimed at alleviating the country’s acute housing shortage.

The Ras Malé development seeks to reclaim 1,009 hectares from the 1,153-hectare Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu lagoon. To date, 129.60 hectares have been reclaimed. The administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has positioned the project as a long-term solution to the national housing crisis, with projections indicating the construction of 65,000 housing units upon completion.

Driving the latest phase of expansion is the ‘Jun Yang 1’, a trailing suction hopper dredger with a capacity of 21,000 cubic metres, twice the size of the vessels previously employed. The dredger has commenced work on an additional 265 hectares, including 190 hectares in Site C and 75 hectares in Site E, significantly enhancing the pace and scale of reclamation.

Project management has also evolved. Initially overseen by two companies across 11 designated sites, the initiative now includes China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), bringing the total number of participating firms to three. Government sources say the expanded contractor base reflects a strategic effort to scale operations and meet development targets.

Work continues across multiple zones. In Site J, 29 hectares have been completed, with coastal protection works now ready to begin. In Sites D, F, G and L, where 395 hectares are planned, 100.60 hectares have been reclaimed to date. An additional 321 hectares are scheduled for reclamation in Sites A, B, H and I.

To support reclamation activities, the government has overseen the safe relocation of coral populations. A total of 21,641 corals were removed from affected areas and transferred to propagation programmes in Benhaa Faru and Maniyafushi in Malé Atoll, as well as to several resort sites. Government officials have noted that environmental safeguards remain central to the project’s implementation.

Plans for Ras Malé extend beyond housing. President Muizzu’s administration envisions the area as a model for sustainable urban development, with aspirations for it to become the first zero-carbon city in the Indian Ocean. The project is expected to introduce both technological and ecological innovations to the country. The initial phase of 15,000 housing units has already been awarded to a Chinese company.