The shipping platform

Location: Port Vila is situated on Efate Island. General overview: Port Vila is the principal port of the Republic of Vanuatu, which consists of 13 large and approx 70 smaller islands in the Pacific Ocean. Port Vila is made up of 3 bays; Outer Bay, Pontoon Bay and Paray Bay. Pontoon Bay is large and deep, has a government wharf on the S end and the Ardimanni (Star) wharf on the SE side. Paray Bay is deep, has a government marine workshop quay and a fuel depot. While the harbour affords good shelter for all vessels, except in W'ly wind and cyclones, swinging room may be restricted if many other vessel are in the harbour. Facilities for all types of cargo are available, with the major export being copra. Load line zone: South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31. Max size: Length governed by berth size but restricted to LOA 250m, draught 10.7m. Largest vessel handled: "Canberra", 23,672DWT.