With growing tourism and trade industries, Vanuatu’s existing port facilities at Port Vila were struggling to cope with demand. The Lapetasi International Multi-Purpose Wharf project was for the construction of a new international container terminal and wharf, offering additional freight capacity and separating international cargo vessels from cruise ships.

Fletcher and Brian Perry Civil delivered the multi-purpose terminal for the main contractor, Japanese construction company Toa Corporation. Delivery of this complex multidisciplinary project was achieved employing over 600 Ni-Vanuatu nationals who were trained to complete this work.

The project included significant harbour reclamation and dredging works, and a 200m long main berth constructed from driven steel pipe sheet piles and concrete coping beam. The additional construction of three main terminal buildings and engineered fill over the entire site completed the bulk of the scope.

The wharf was kept fully operational throughout the build. This meant the five cranes used between piling, earthworks and structural work had to be carefully located. With limited shipping between New Zealand and Vanuatu, getting materials from New Zealand on site required meticulous planning months in advance.

The expansion has increased the volume of business by up to two-thirds since completion of the project and has ultimately improved the resilience of port operations for Port Vila.