Comprehensive Coastal Protection – Seawall and Artificial Beach in Male’ (Maldives)
Maldivas
The Challenge
The island of Male’, the capital of the Maldives, faced extreme coastal risk due to extraordinary storm surges that caused significant damage to housing, public infrastructure, docks, and the old seawall during the 1980s. These adverse events highlighted the island’s vulnerability to extreme marine phenomena, representing a permanent risk to the safety of its inhabitants, the continuity of critical operations, and local economic stability.
Our Solution
OC Global implemented a comprehensive engineering, planning, and supervision approach that addressed the challenge in three distinct stages. The process began with feasibility studies and technical diagnostics, which included topographic and hydrographic surveys, wave and current analysis, environmental impact studies, and hydraulic model testing. This was followed by the detailed design of coastal protection seawalls around Male’ Island, balancing structural integrity with environmental harmony. Finally, the firm led the construction supervision of seawalls across the western, eastern, southern, and northern coasts, integrating a recreational artificial beach on the eastern coast that has since become an iconic and resilient public space.
Key Impact
-
Effective protection against major tsunamis and storm surges, as proven during the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where the seawall prevented casualties and significant material damage in Male’.
-
Reduction of structural risk to critical infrastructure, safeguarding housing, public facilities, and the international airport.
-
Creation of a resilient and inclusive public space with the artificial beach on the eastern coast, which has become a symbol of the coexistence between engineering and the natural environment.
-
Strengthening of community trust and social resilience, allowing residents to live and thrive with greater security in the face of extreme climate phenomena.