Samoa has no ‘internal waterways’, however ferries provide a vital link between the 2 main islands of Upolo and Savai’i. The Government of Samoa established the Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) in 1974 with the objective of operating a vehicular and passenger ferry service between the main Samoan islands. The SSC now operates a fleet of five (5) vessels providing travel to Salelologa, Savai’i from Mulifanua (and vice versa) daily, and sailings once a week to American Samoa. The same vessels also service charter requests including the transportation of gas (dangerous goods) across to Savai’i. They also charter to Tokelau, American Samoa, the Cook Islands and the Swain Islands.

In general, Samoan shippers and freight forwarders are satisfied with the availability of shipping space and the frequency of current shipping services. The services provided by shipping lines are considered reliable and of a satisfactory quality.

Details on timetables and fares can be accessed at http://www.samoashipping.com/timetable-and-fares

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List 

Company Information

Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC)) has existed for over 40 years since being set up by the Samoan Government. They are experienced in local sea transportation, as well as regional services to Tokelau, the Swains Islands and Cook Islands. Whilst SSC does not have a legislative monopoly, its established position and the small scale of the market have tended to discourage new entrants. It maintains a safe and efficient service.

For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: 4.3 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List 

Travel Time Matrix

The times cited in the table below are in hours and are for either barges or ferries, as a guideline.

M.V Lady Naomi   

M.V Lady Samoa III  

M.V Samoa Express

M.V Fotu o Samoa II