SEA FREIGHT
Ocean Freight
Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.
- FCL
- LCL
- Reefer
- Break-bulk
Global Market · Melanesia
Vietnam – Vanuatu Logistics
Vanuatu market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Port Vila
- Region
- Melanesia
- Population
- 0.3 million
- Area
- 12,189 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$1.1 billion
- GDP per capita
- 3,360 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 176 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 4.2%/year
- Currency
- VUV (VUV)
- Languages
- Bislama, English, French
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 7,272 km
Economic size
In 2023, Vanuatu’s nominal GDP reached US$1.1 billion, ranking No. 176 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$3,360. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 4.2% per year.
Growth potential
- Emerging market, best approached through local agents and LCL consolidation.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Vanuatu do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Vanuatu
Ocean
15–28 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
3–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
7,272 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 3 ports in Vanuatu. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luganville | VULUG | Small | 12 m |
| Port Vila | VUVLI | Very small | 11 m |
| Forari Bay | — | Very small | — |
Port guides: Vanuatu
International airports
Vanuatu has 3 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Bauerfield International Airport | VLI | Port Vila |
| Santo Pekoa International Airport | SON | Luganville |
| Whitegrass Airport | TAH | Tanna Island |
Services for the Vietnam – Vanuatu lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Vanuatu?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Vanuatu take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 15–28 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Vanuatu?
The main cargo ports in Vanuatu include Luganville, Port Vila, Forari Bay.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Vanuatu?
International air cargo to Vanuatu mainly arrives via Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON), Whitegrass Airport (TAH).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Vanuatu have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Vanuatu.
Other markets in Melanesia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.