Overview

Due to the small population in RMI, service provision is basic, with only a small number of companies specialising in each sector. While this has limited competitive advantages, most businesses have been long established and operate reliably and successfully.

The services sector is responsible for 70% of GDP and is driven by government expenditure and grants from the United States under the Compact of Free Association (CFA). Agriculture and fisheries are the second-largest sector, (18% of GDP), while the industrial sector (12% of GDP) is dominated by construction and utilities.

For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 

4.11 Additional Services Contact List

Accommodation

Accommodation is limited in Majuro, with only two hotels and a few more guesthouses available. Marshall Islands Resort and RRE (Robert Reimer Enterprises) are the two main hotels in Majuro.

In Lojkar there is accommodation available for longer term rentals of 6-12 months. To stay on Kwajalein’s military base, a sponsor is required. In Ebeye, there is a hotel simply called Ebeye Hotel (managed by Marshall Islands Resort hotel).

Electricity and Power

MEC and KAJUR supply all electricity. The RMI has no electricity legislation or regulator, and no private generators licensed to sell electricity. MEC supplies 50% of the population from its diesel-based grid network on Majuro; and 16% using off-grid solar home systems (SHSs) and three mini-grid systems on the islands of Wotje, Jaluit, and Rongrong. KAJUR supplies 34% of the population from its grid network on Ebeye.

Financial Services

There are three main financial service institutions in RMI Western Union, Bank of Guam and Bank of Marshall Islands. WU offers wire transfer services, and the Bank of Guam offers banking and credit services. Bank of Marshall Islands offers banking services in four outer islands and has offices in three locations on Majuro Atoll.

Clearing and Forwarding Agents

There are only two Forwarding/Shipping Agents in Majuro. Matson shipping (Majuro Marine) based in the Port Authority building, and Delap Dock and CenPac RRE based at Uliga is part of RRE (Robert Reimer Enterprises).

Both Majuro Marine and RRE will handle clearance and handling of incoming consignments.

Handling Equipment

Materials handling equipment is available on an ad hoc basis. There is no rental company. However, freight and construction companies and the Department of Public Works are possible sources of lift equipment rentals, such as forklifts and small cranes.

Postal and Courier Services

Mail: The US Postal Service services RMI as a domestic destination. There are five post offices: The main office is in Uliga opposite RRE Hotel, the second is in the K&K Island Pride Supermarket complex, the third is at the airport, the fourth is in Ebeye, and the fifth (which was opened in May 2017) is in Jabor, Jaluit. The Post Office accepts mail and parcels addressed to individuals, followed by the phrase General Delivery (cruisers should include their yacht’s name). 

Incoming mail: The post office is very reliable, but on occasion mail can take longer than the normal 10 days or so, and in the worst-case scenario the mail very occasionally ends up on a ship and takes a couple of months to get to RMI.

Couriers: DHL is represented by Pacific International Inc in Delap (625-3122), while Federal Express by RRE’s Central Pacific Maritime Agency (625-2021) in Uliga. Generally, they both only look after incoming parcels. Sending large items out of the country will require some research, depending on the type of item and its size.

Printing and Publishing

There is limited printing and publishing, and basic jobs can be handled by Office Max in Uliga and the copy centre opposite the Marshall Islands Resort.

Taxi Companies

Taxis are privately owned vehicles and operate mainly on Majuro and Ebeye. Essential driving in a clockwise direction on the same lagoon road. Taxis cost USD 1.50 for a 1-3 Km ride and USD 7 for a ride to the airport.

Vehicle Rental

There are several vehicle rental companies, and it is also possible to rent a private taxi or hire a vehicle with a driver for a mutually agreed amount for several days or a longer period.

Waste Management and Disposal Services

The Majuro Atoll Waste Company (MAWC), which is owned by the national government, and the Majuro Atoll Local Government, is responsible for solid waste collection, landfill management, and recycling. MAWC provides weekly collection services to around 2,500 households, and 82 commercial customers located in the area between the airport and Rita. The company does not provide service in the area between the airport and Laura, where approximately 500 households are responsible for transporting their wastes to Majuro’s dumpsite. However, due to the lack of available collection services, many households create backyard pits for disposal of waste, which pose environmental and public health hazards