Cruise return to main wharf under assessment as Wharf Road clearance progresses

June 9, 2026 11:21 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled by Doddy Morris.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) says further assessments are underway to determine whether cruise ship operations can safely return to Port Vila’s main international wharf following the completion of the first technical review of the Wharf Road Risk Assessment Report.

The main wharf, traditionally Vanuatu’s primary cruise ship docking facility, has remained largely inaccessible since the December 2024 earthquake triggered a major hillside collapse above Wharf Road, forcing cruise vessels to use a temporary docking arrangement at Seafront.

Now that significant clearance and assessment work has been completed along the affected road corridor, government agencies and stakeholders are evaluating whether conditions are suitable for the eventual resumption of cruise operations at the main wharf.

The DoT recently participated in the first multi-agency technical review of the risk assessment report led by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), bringing together government agencies, technical experts, contractors and development partners.

While the review marks an important step forward, the Department stressed that no decision has yet been made on the return of cruise ships to the main wharf.

“Further technical assessments, stakeholder consultations and discussions with cruise line port operations teams will continue in the coming weeks before any decisions are made regarding future cruise operations,” the Department said.

The Department noted that the works undertaken by MIPU and supported by the Australian Government were primarily aimed at restoring safe access along Wharf Road for businesses, road users, both wharves, and surrounding communities, rather than facilitating the immediate return of cruise vessels.

Cruise operators are also expected to carry out their own independent safety assessments before deciding whether to resume using the main wharf.

The Government considers the return of cruise ships to the main wharf to be a priority because of the sector’s importance to tourism operators, transport providers, market vendors and businesses that depend on cruise visitor spending.

However, officials say any decision will depend on technical advice, safety requirements and consultation with all relevant stakeholders.