Vanuatu makes headway on national maritime policy

The Government of Vanuatu is forging ahead with the development of the One-Vanuatu Maritime Policy (OVMP), with the support of IMO and the Pacific Community.

This initiative, led by the Ministry of Public Utilities (MIPU) and the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA), aims to establish a cohesive, comprehensive framework to manage and advance Vanuatu's maritime sector. The policy strives for sustainable, resilient, and secure maritime transport, while addressing the needs of outer islands and vulnerable communities.

Stakeholder meetings held in October 2024, organized by MIPU and VMSA and supported by IMO and the Pacific Community (SPC), engaged both public and private sectors in a comprehensive review of the OVMP's preliminary draft.

Addressing participants, Chair of the Board of the VMSA Mr. Johnson Binaru Iauma said, "The One-Vanuatu Maritime Policy is crafted to ensure the sustainable use of our ocean resources, supporting economic growth and empowering our key maritime stakeholders. This workshop is a pivotal moment in our journey, as we address challenges like climate change and marine pollution, aligning our efforts with global, regional, and national priorities."

The feedback collected during the workshop will inform a revised draft, which will undergo further consultation, before approval from a Steering Committee and endorsement by the Chairman of the Board of the VMSA. It is anticipated that the comprehensive OVMP will be presented to the Council of Ministers - the highest authority in the Vanuatu Government - for final endorsement, with the official launch planned for 2025.

This collaborative milestone highlights IMO's commitment to fostering sustainable, secure maritime services across the Pacific region, as well as its ongoing assistance to Member States in formulating and developing national maritime transport policies (NMTPs), to strengthen maritime capacities and the blue economy.