Vanuatu has exported 73 tonnes of goods to New Caledonia through the Compagnie Maritime des Îles (CMI) shipping service since it began operating in May, with kava accounting for the main export product.

CMI has completed seven monthly trips between Port Vila, Santo and New Caledonia, carrying an average of around 10 tonnes of cargo from Vanuatu on each voyage.

The kava exports include dried kava roots, kava chips and kava powder. Other products shipped to New Caledonia include cocoa products, pepper, noni juice, cassava flour, handicrafts and other goods.

Capacity to Increase Exports

The vessel Karaka can carry up to 1,000 tonnes of cargo on a single trip, indicating that there is capacity for local producers and businesses to export more goods through the service.

When the vessel first arrived in Port Vila, it brought approximately 300 tonnes of goods from New Caledonia in 20 containers.

The Vanuatu Government launched the shipping service in May, with government leaders highlighting its importance in strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

The service is expected to continue, with the next trips from Port Vila and Santo planned for the middle of this month, as well as in December and January.

The export figures point to further opportunities for local producers and businesses to use the shipping connection to reach the New Caledonia market.