Vanuatu’s domestic shipping sector is set to benefit from the completion of the new South Paray domestic wharf in Port Vila, valued at over VT3 billion.

The project, which falls under the Vanuatu Inter-Island Shipping Support Project (VISSP), is jointly funded by the Governments of Vanuatu and New Zealand, along with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Winston Peters, visited the newly completed wharf on Wednesday this week. He said the new infrastructure plays an important role in supporting Vanuatu’s economy, especially after the impacts of the 17 December earthquake.

“South Paray Wharf is to improve inter-island shipping and assist with Vanuatu’s economic recovery, especially following the last December earthquake,” said Mr Peters.

ADB Representative Nancy Wells highlighted the wharf’s climate-resilient features, calling it a “lifeline” for Vanuatu’s future amid the challenges of climate change.

“Communities will benefit from safer and better passenger services, while improved climate-resilient design will safeguard against rising seas and extreme weather,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Johnny Koanapo, assured the public that the Vanuatu Government is committed to managing the wharf responsibly.

“The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, together with the Ministry of Public Utilities, Ports, and Harbour, stand ready to ensure sound financial management and sustainable operation of this asset,” he said.

Construction of the wharf was carried out by two international companies with expertise in resilient infrastructure.

Project Engineer Geoff Prior explained that the wharf is designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo.

“It’s designed to handle simultaneous berthing of up to eight vessels and to service roll-on/roll-off vessels,” he said.

The South Paray Wharf is expected to be fully operational by May 2025.