A pilot project aimed at addressing the disposal of waste oil in Vanuatu is set to begin operations soon at Melek Tree on Efate.
The project, known as a pyrolysis plant, will convert waste oil from ships into reusable fuel, providing a potential solution to a long-standing environmental challenge.
Project owner Andrew Bohn who owns Ocean Logistics as a shipping agency in Vanuatu said the country currently lacks a proper system to manage waste oil generated by ships.
“The problem is there’s no way to recycle oil in Vanuatu. Australia has similar systems to recycle oil as well as US.” Said Bohn.
“The two choices we have here is storage which we have done. But as we store and store, eventually we have more than enough. The other choice I think some people are doing in Vanuatu, is that they dump it (waste oil) into the ground.”
He explained that the facility operates similarly to a distillation plant and will be the first of its kind in Vanuatu and possibly the Pacific region.
It’s a closed system where we heat the oil in a vacuum. We’re not burning it but heating it to evaporate it. The vapors are collected and cooled, breaking the hydrocarbons down into fuel that can be reused. It’s not new technology — it’s used around the world.”
“This is new company we set up called Oceans Environmental Solutions, to solve a problem.” Said Bohn.
Mr. Bohn added that the facility is located away from residential areas to minimize any potential risks to nearby communities.
Environmental Impact Assessment Officer at the Department of Environment, Trevor Murifer, said the project is still in its early stages, with public consultations currently underway.
“The Department of Environment will monitor the project. If there are impacts such as strong smells or smoke, action will be taken. If needed, the project may be stopped or relocated to a designated industrial zone.”
Authorities say the project will be closely monitored, and if successful, it could provide a long-term solution for managing waste oil from ships in Vanuatu.
