MV Blue Wota to slash Vila–Santo travel to 6–7 hours
February 11, 2026 10:21 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
Vanuatu’s inter-island transport is entering a new era with the launch of MV Blue Wota, a high-speed passenger ferry capable of travelling at 37 kilometres per hour (20 knots), reducing the journey between Port Vila and Luganville in Santo to just six to seven hours.
Operating under the Aelan Express brand by Pierre Brunet Shipping, the service will officially begin on February 16, offering twice-weekly sailings between Port Vila, Litzlitz in Malekula, and Luganville in Santo.
General Manager (GM) Justin Bellier said the project was born from the need to modernise transport in an island nation.
“We don’t have fast ferry services in Vanuatu, and it’s important for an archipelago country to develop these connections,” Bellier said.
The aluminium-built vessel arrived from New Caledonia in December and has since undergone crew training, safety trials, and full certification with the Vanuatu Maritime Services Authority. Trial runs ensured both crew readiness and passenger safety.
At a cruising speed of 20 knots, the ferry can depart Port Vila at 6:30 a.m. and arrive in Luganville by 5:00 p.m., including a stop in Litzlitz. The faster travel time is expected to boost business, tourism, and family connections between the islands.
“It can depart in the morning from Port Vila and reach Santo in the afternoon,” Bellier explained. “It shortens travel time and increases connectivity.”
Regular departures from Port Vila will be on Mondays and Thursdays, with return trips from Santo on Tuesdays and Fridays. The schedule allows residents of Santo to spend weekends in Vila and provides convenient travel for workers during the week.
Although MV Blue Wota is certified for more passengers, the company is limiting capacity to 150 passengers per trip to guarantee comfort and safety. Each ticket includes two pieces of luggage up to 12 kilograms each. Adult fares from Port Vila to Santo are VT12,500, with discounted rates for students and children. The ferry focuses on passenger travel only, with onboard amenities including air conditioning and a café.
The vessel’s speed is enabled by its lightweight aluminium hull, which requires careful handling.
“The hull shape and weight allow speed, but aluminium is more fragile,” Bellier said. “We limit luggage to protect the ship. It’s a high-value vessel that needs careful operation.”
For safety, the ferry operates only during daylight hours.
“The ship could sail at night, but we focus on daytime travel for safety. At 20 knots, precise navigation is essential,” he added.
While the initial route connects Efate, Malekula, and Santo, the vessel could operate elsewhere if proper wharf infrastructure is in place. On days without scheduled sailings — Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays — the ferry is available for charter by the government, businesses, or community groups, including travel to provinces such as TORBA, PENAMA, or TAFEA.
Bellier mentioned that tickets are non-refundable for missed departures due to limited seating.
“If you miss the ship, there will be no refund. Numbers are limited and once you miss, you make us lose and you lose as well. You will have to buy another ticket,” he said.
Pierre Brunet Shipping sees MV Blue Wota as the first step in a broader plan to improve domestic sea transport.
“This is the first of its kind. We need to start here, reassure investors, and if successful, expand with other ships,” the GM said.
With its speed and modern facilities, Aelan Express’ MV Blue Wota offers a reliable, faster option for inter-island travel, strengthening economic, educational, and social ties across Vanuatu.
