The Ports and Marine Department has seriously engaged itself in the project to install navigation lights in some of the maritime passages in Vanuatu.

The government project for 2020 has started in the western passage of Luganville harbour in Santo, Sanma province.

According to Ports and Harbour officer Robson Tari, the project is quite important as Vanuatu is accommodating more ships and it is a requirement under the International Maritime Organization convention to which Vanuatu is also a signatory.

“Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), it is the duty and responsibility of any government to ensure the safety of navigation in each country and for Vanuatu, the government must ensure these protocols are met," explained Mr Tari.

Mr Tari said since 40 years ago, only traditional knowledge were used to pilot ships into Luganville wharf and as matter of consideration, the government finally sees the importance of navigation lights by initiating a budget in 2019 for the project to be establish this year.

This is a great achievement for Luganville as many large vessels berth there.

The navigation lights and logistics cost around VT2 million.

The project will continue in Tafea province with the installment of one navigation light at Analcauhat in Aneityum and another at Erromango.

The Department of Ports and Marine affairs also asks the community around these marine channels to also help the government by respecting and taking good care of the navigation lights.

Source: Daily Post