Getting from the airport to a private island resort in the Maldives could soon become smoother and more sustainable after plans were announced to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats across the archipelago.
US maritime technology company Navier and Dubai-based JIH Global Investment have confirmed a $100 million (€87 million) partnership to establish the Navier Network, a “software-driven sustainable maritime corridor” designed to connect airports, resorts, private villas, and local islands.
For travellers, the project promises to modernise one of the defining parts of a Maldivian holiday. Rather than relying on a fragmented network of speedboats and ferries, visitors will eventually be able to travel on a fleet of premium hydrofoil water taxis designed to deliver a faster, quieter and more comfortable journey.
The rollout will begin later this year with five Navier N30 vessels before expanding by up to 95 more boats over the following three years.
"The Maldives is one of the most important maritime transportation markets in the world," said Sampriti Bhattacharyya, founder and CEO of Navier. "Nearly every guest, every worker, every resort, and every island depends on boats or seaplanes.
