Construction of the World’s First Floating City in the Indian Ocean Nears Completion

Satellite imagery over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean has shared insight into the progress of the world’s first floating city. Exclusive satellite imagery videos by Maxar Technologies show the state of construction of the Maldives floating city. The project is the first of its kind in magnitude and structure. Construction on the modular floating platforms is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Orchestrated by the Maldivian government, the project has brought on board various international-based companies to help with the project.

This includes Dutch-based architectural firm Waterstudio which is the project’s contracted company. The floating city is strategically based as it is in a lagoon about 10 minutes by boat from the capital of Male. Construction of the city offers a constructive solution currently facing the world’s lowest-lying country. With an average elevation of five feet above sea level, the South Asian Island nation faces challenges such as flooding.

The Significance of Constructing the World’s First Floating City in the Indian Ocean

Located in the Asian continent, the endeavor by the Maldivian government to construct the world’s first floating city is remarkable. One of the significance of this floating city is it’s a great addition to the tourist attraction sites in the region. Maldives is hailed for its beautiful shores and beaches, and the addition of this city will be a remarkable addition to its hallmark. Construction of the project has gained full steam and is expected to see its first inhabitants soon. In the next 14 months, the project will open doors to some of its inhabitants and a few visitors. It means that the city will also be a residential area for some of the Maldivian residents, a remarkable feat. Once completed, the project will facilitate elevating the country’s economic prospects by gaining revenue from tourist activities.

Scope of Construction on the Maldives Floating City

The world’s first floating city will have approximately 20,000 residents living in 5,000 homes placed along a hexagonal grid in the shape of a “brain coral”. The Maldives floating city will also connect to an outer ring of barrier islands that will act as breakers, according to Waterstudio. Boats will replace cars as the main way to transit both the island and between the mainland. The purchase of the residential area within the city is placed at a suitable price for residents. Starting at $250,000, the developers expect foreigners to buy in. They also are making bids to local fishing families who have regarded the ocean waters as their home for centuries.

The Challenges Facing the Construction of the City

Koen Olthuis, the lead architect on the world’s first floating city noted that though several constraints were holding the project back, they have been resolved. “There’s been a “bit of delay because of some political wayfinding between Indian and Chinese-oriented economic interests,” but the construction phase is now full-steam ahead,” noted Koen. This means that the expected timeline and schedule of the project are still in line. The challenge had been caused by the strategic placement of the city and its neighboring countries. A construction of this magnitude that is the world’s first was bound to cause some geopolitical strife across the Asian continent. The Maldivian government is relieved that the waters have settled and the construction process can now be exacerbated.