VU Prefix and Three-Letter Location Code
Vanuatu UN/LOCODE entries begin with the country prefix VU and are followed by a three-character location identifier. Examples in the indexed sample include VUPVI, VUSAN, VUVLI and VULUB.
Seaports in Vanuatu: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Vanuatu has 4 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, supporting island-to-island supply chains and regional Pacific cargo flows.
Review UN/LOCODE references, port coverage and indicative trade lanes for Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Port Overview
Vanuatu is a Pacific island country whose maritime network is centered on Port Vila and northern island gateways. Indexed coverage and national statistics are separate measures: the figures below distinguish Ecer Freight database coverage from publicly reported national indicators.
4
Vanuatu ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
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National cargo tonnage, 2025; year-on-year change not published
VNSO · 2025
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Container throughput, 2025; year-on-year change not published
VNSO · 2025
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Commercial berth total, 2025; year-on-year change not published
Maritime authority data · 2025
How many seaports does Vanuatu have?
Vanuatu has 4 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its November 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed-coverage count rather than a claim about every landing place or informal anchorage.
What is Vanuatu's largest or busiest port gateway?
Port Vila, identified in the sample as VUPVI, is generally regarded as Vanuatu's principal international gateway and the country's main urban cargo hub. Port activity and vessel schedules remain subject to confirmation.
Which areas handle the main cargo flows?
The main cargo areas are Port Vila on Efate and Santo in the north. Ecer Freight records VUPVI and VUSAN as the two principal indexed locations, with additional terminal-level entries for Port Vila and Luganville Bay.
Top Ports in Vanuatu by Indexed Activity
The table follows the activity order in the Ecer Freight sample. Vanuatu does not have a consistently published public league table for port-level 2025 container throughput, so rank, throughput and year-on-year fields are shown together as unavailable rather than estimated.
Indexed Vanuatu port and terminal sample · latest complete reference year: 2025
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Port Vila | VUPVI | — | — | Efate |
| — | Santo | VUSAN | — | — | Espiritu Santo |
| — | Port Vila | VUVLI | — | — | Efate |
| — | Luganville Bay | VULUB | — | — | Espiritu Santo |
Vanuatu Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Efate
Efate contains the national capital and the country's principal international commercial gateway. Port Vila entries generally support containerized imports, exports, project cargo and domestic distribution.
Efate port entries
Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is a northern island logistics area with port facilities serving domestic distribution, agricultural supply chains and regional maritime connections.
Espiritu Santo port entries
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo | VUSAN | Santo | Regional cargo gateway and island supply-chain support |
| Luganville Bay | VULUB | Luganville Bay | Bay and terminal access for general and project cargo |
Vanuatu Port Codes and UN/LOCODE Guide
City-Level and Terminal-Level Codes
A city-level or principal port code can represent a broader maritime location, while a separate entry may identify a terminal, bay or operational facility. The exact booking point should be checked against the carrier or agent instructions.
How to Verify a Port Code
Compare the code with the official UN/LOCODE reference at UNECE and cross-check the indexed port directory at Ecer Freight Port Codes before preparing shipping documents.
Shipping from Vanuatu: Main Trade Lanes
Vanuatu shipping schedules are typically shaped by transshipment connections and regional Pacific services. Transit times vary by sailing frequency, transshipment port, equipment availability and weather conditions.
Vanuatu to New Zealand
A common regional lane for consumer goods, food products, project cargo and replenishment shipments.
Vanuatu to Australia
Australia-bound services support imported supplies, construction materials, machinery and general commercial cargo.
Vanuatu to New Caledonia
Shorter Southwest Pacific connections can serve regional distribution, equipment movements and project shipments.
Vanuatu to Fiji and Pacific Islands
Pacific island routes commonly rely on feeder or transshipment services and require confirmation of cut-offs and equipment.
Data Sources and Methodology
Port identity, coverage and trade guidance are presented with separate labels for first-party indexing and external statistical references. Where a comparable public 2025 port-level figure could not be verified, the relevant metric is left unreported rather than estimated.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party snapshot of 4 Vanuatu ports and terminals, reviewed in Nov 2026.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference framework.
- Vanuatu National Statistics Office — national statistical context and official series where published.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — maritime location and navigation reference context.
Vanuatu Seaport FAQ
How many seaports does Vanuatu have?
Vanuatu has 4 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Nov 2026 database snapshot. This count covers the indexed sample and is not a complete count of every anchorage, wharf or landing place.
What is the main port in Vanuatu?
Port Vila is generally Vanuatu's main international commercial gateway. The Ecer Freight sample identifies it with code VUPVI, while VUVLI is a separate Port Vila entry.
What are the main Vanuatu port codes?
The indexed Vanuatu codes are VUPVI for Port Vila, VUSAN for Santo, VUVLI for Port Vila and VULUB for Luganville Bay. Shipping documents should be checked against the carrier booking confirmation.
Which regions handle most Vanuatu cargo?
Efate, centered on Port Vila, and Espiritu Santo, including Santo and Luganville Bay, are the principal indexed cargo areas. Service coverage can vary by season and carrier.
How current is the Vanuatu port data?
The indexed coverage was reviewed in Nov 2026, while 2025 is the latest complete statistical year used for the page. Vessel schedules, port calls and transit times remain subject to operational confirmation.
How can shippers request a Vanuatu sea-freight quote?
Shippers can compare indicative FCL or LCL options through the sea-freight quote pages. Final pricing depends on origin, destination, cargo details, equipment, sailing schedule and applicable local charges.
Editorial note: Port codes and indexed coverage are maintained from the Ecer Freight port database, with external maritime and statistical references used for context. The page is reviewed quarterly; published throughput, berth and schedule data may change when official or carrier updates become available.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Vanuatu: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact