The Vanuatu Police Force has received a new high-speed patrol boat and 13 banana boats from Australia to strengthen maritime policing, emergency response and coastal security.

The handover took place on Tuesday, with Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, HE Max Willis, presenting the keys of the new patrol vessel, RV SAUL, to Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat during an official ceremony.

The 11-metre Naiad vessel can reach speeds of up to 40 knots, or more than 70 kilometres per hour, making it the fastest boat in the Vanuatu Police Force fleet.

New Vessel to Support Maritime Operations

RV SAUL is expected to help police respond more quickly to emergencies at sea, conduct search and rescue operations, transport sick people to hospital and assist vessels in distress.

It is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, allowing officers to detect people and objects at night or when visibility is poor.

In favourable sea conditions, the vessel can travel from Port Vila to Santo in approximately eight hours.

Australian High Commissioner Max Willis said the handover builds on more than 20 years of cooperation between Australia and Vanuatu to strengthen police capacity and support community safety.

“​​Australia and Vanuatu have worked together for more than 20 years to strengthen police capacity and support communities to remain safe and secure. This handover further strengthens our longstanding partnership and Australia’s commitment under the Nakamal Agreement to support the capability and modernisation of the Vanuatu Police Force.”

13 Banana Boats for Island Communities

The handover also included 13 banana boats to support coastal patrols and help police provide services to communities across the islands.

The boats are equipped with police lights, communication equipment, spotlights, engine servicing tools and solar-powered electrical systems.

Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat said the new vessel would also strengthen operations against transnational crime, including drug trafficking and smuggling by sea.

He said the additional maritime capability would improve national security and support surveillance and search and rescue operations.

Police Commissioner Calls for Proper Maintenance

Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran said the new assets would contribute directly to the safety and wellbeing of people in Vanuatu.

“Our responsibility is not only to receive these assets, but to ensure that they deliver practical and lasting benefits to the people of Vanuatu.”

He said relevant commands and units would be expected to maintain and manage the resources properly and deploy them according to operational priorities.

He also stressed the need to ensure officers have the necessary training, discipline and procedures to use the equipment safely and effectively.

The latest handover brings the number of boats provided by Australia to the Vanuatu Police Force over the past five years to 23, under the ongoing partnership between the two countries.