Vanuatu shipping

The loan agreement was signed this week between the bank and Vanuatu government through the Ministry of Transport and Public Utilities.

The loan would cover a period of 13 years towards the cost of the Vanuatu Inter-Island Shipping Support Project.

Part of the funding would be used for the provision of services to Banks and Torres, the Northern part of Vanuatu.

A contractor will be selected by a bidding process to provide a monthly service between Luganville and specific points in Banks and Torres.

The new owner of Touaraken III (ex MV Renaissance) Willie Naripo, with the assistance of Taiford Marine has used a system of inflatable rubber tubes to lift his vessel for hull and propeller shaft repairs.

This operation is being carried out at Pontoon Bay, Port Vila. Pontoon Bay is currently the temporary site for coastal ships and landing craft to load and unload their cargoes whilst the new coastal shipping wharf is under construction.

The Minister for MIPU, Jotham Napat signed an agreement with Korean Government officials in late 2016 to fund new jetties at Pentecost, Tanna and Sola as well as improvements to Aids to Navigation through a grant. Additional funding in the form of a loan has been made available to build a 1000 tonne ship slipway at old Ratard Plantation in Segund Canal, Espiritu Santo.