Port Overview 

The Port of Lenakel is a domestic port and receives local ships / ferries weekly. Local landing crafts like MV Touaraken III, MV Kiwi Trader, Tiwi Trader and Young Blood can anchor at the wharf. Swells in Tanna are usually high so ships must take precaution when approaching and when anchored at the port. 

The Port facilities include an office for Lenakel Wharf & Stevedoring, a building for storage and a restroom and bathroom. 

Port website: N/A 

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com 

Port Picture 

• Lenakel Wharf 

• Lenakel Wharf & Stevedoring 

• Wharf Storage 

• Restroom/Bathroom 

• Potential Mobile Storage Unit site 

Conventional berth at Port of Lenakel 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority – Ensures the safety of all vessels and passengers on international and domestic vessels. Ensures the effective regulation of ports and port facilities through the promotion of efficient and safe port operations and the protection of rights of port users to access ports and port facilities. 

Lenakel Wharf & Stevedoring – Responsible for receiving ships at the port. Shipping companies inform Lenakel Wharf & Stevedoring when they are enroute to the port and estimated time of arrival. 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Port Performance 

The port is currently not congested and there is an established priority for humanitarian cargo. The port receives only landing crafts and not container ships. The port is usually clear when each ship arrives so waiting time is minimal. 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges 

Berthing Specifications 

 
Port Handling Equipment 

Is the port equipment managed by the government or privately? There is no port equipment available at the wharf. Ships that dock at the wharf bring their own handling equipment like forklifts. 

Customs Guidance 

The Port of Lenakel currently only handles local cargo so there is no customs agent at the wharf. 

For more information on customs in Vanuatu, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information 

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL 

There is no multipurpose terminal. 

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING 

There is no grain and bulk handling at the Port of Lenakel. 

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL 

There is a storage facility at the port which can be used as storage during an emergency response. 

Stevedoring 

Ships that dock at the port bring their own port handling equipment like forklifts and the ship’s crew carry out all stevedoring activities as necessary. Passengers are responsible for offloading their own cargo.  

Hinterland Information 

Cargo owners are responsible for moving their cargo in and out of the port. 

Port Security  

There are two security guards who take turns looking after the port between 2100 and 0500 hours daily. The area where the office, storage and restroom/bathroom are located is fenced and the gate is closed when the port is not in use.