Abu Dhabi-based marine firm Jalboot Holdings has delivered a new generation of Maldives-centric ferries, designed to operate between the island's new mega-resort: Crossroads, Velana International Airport and the country’s capital Malé.

Jalboot Holdings, in collaboration with premier property development and investment holding company Singha Estate Public Company Limited, will manage a luxury marina at Crossroads: the largest integrated destination in the Maldives.

Singha Estate Public Company Limited, the company behind Crossroads, is a young and vibrant enterprise which has distinguished itself in the property market through a distinct array of products it is known to offer.

Supported by cutting edge technology and world-class accreditations, the new ferries are designed with water jet propulsion instead of conventional propellers to reduce damage to precious marine lives and corals, making them especially suitable for the geography of the Maldives.

The catamaran-style dual hulled, water-jet and diesel engine powered crafts are 17 meters long, with a maximum capacity of 60 passengers and equipped with the latest safety measures, navigation and communication technology.

As a leading integrated provider of vessel design, construction and operation of sightseeing and passenger transfer ferry services based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Jalboot Holdings prides itself in providing premium-level customer service in the marine transport service industry, along with industry-leading private and commercial boat charters.
The first year of Crossroads will see the operation of four ferries, with two vessels servicing guests arriving from Velana International Airport and two vessels servicing Maldivians and residents from Malé. Jalboot’s subsidiaries will also be providing a full spectrum of water transport solutions for Crossroads including marina management, water transport within the lagoon and other support services.

One of the novel features of the new ferries to be deployed at Crossroads is their ability to come to a full stop in one and a half boat lengths while travelling at full speed. The vessels are IACS (International Association of class societies) classified and built in compliance with SOLAS international standards, comprising many standard safety features such as life jackets for every passenger, a dedicated life raft on board and emergency exits. The vessels are also equipped with state-of-the-art fire detectors and mitigation equipment, digital distress signals, emergency DSC transmitters and EPIRB floating emergency beacons.

A company that prides itself in providing premium-level customer service, Jalboot ensures that all its staff members are qualified to the highest standards. Jalboot maintains HSEQ qualifications and accreditations with regular training and drills in every country the company operates and the company’s ferry operation teams are trained to respond to all types of emergency situations at sea.

In order to ensure sustainable and environmental-friendly operations, Jalboot complies with MARPOL standards to maintain a zero-waste policy and ensures that waste is kept onboard each vessel until it can be safely disposed. Jalboot also employs the latest, cutting-edge, low emission diesel engine technology.

“As soon as we started to work with Singha Estate’s Crossroads project, we realised that both companies are similar in many ways. We have the same vision. We have the same end goal. We have the same DNA. Singha Estate seeks to closely involve the local communities in all of its efforts, and ensuring that sustainability values are exercised at every level, from recreational activities to environmental conservation and resort’s operation. In addition, Jalboot’s operation will provide career opportunities for local communities by allowing Maldivians to benefit economically by the time construction is completed. Therefore, I firmly believe that this project will turn out to be a great success in the Maldives,” said Mohamed Roestali, chief executive officer of Jalboot Holdings. - TradeArabia News Service