Trade is set to be strengthened between Melanesian neighbours following the introduction of a new Pacific shipping service.

The movement of ferry lanes from New Caledonia to Vanuatu follows a number of coordinated government discussions over the previous 12 months with an established cargo transport company.

The Compagnie Maritime des Îles, the operator of the Karaka vessel, will launch the transporter in April which is set to boost economic trade, the Vanuatu government said on Thursday.

Meetings between the parties had Vanuatu initially focusing on final preparations for the vessel's deployment in January of this year.

Minister for Trade, Industry, Tourism and Vanuatu Business, Samon Samsen, believed the looming service is a critical component of Vanuatu's broader infrastructure strategies to build better economic ties and strengthen regional integration.

"This is a major milestone for Vanuatu," he said.

"This vessel is not just a ship - it is a bridge of opportunity.

"It will strengthen our economic partnerships, open new markets for our local producers, and accelerate our reconstruction efforts through faster, more reliable trade routes."

The Vanuatu government says the initiative will also establish regional trade facilitation and national development.

The Karaka will facilitate exporting identifiable ni-Vanuatu commodities including kava, cocoa, and copra into an emerging market of New Caledonia.

The route will also in return enable the importation of essential goods, machinery, and services to support the nation's ongoing reconstruction and broader economic development.

Vanuatu officials believe the new maritime link will improve the movement of their goods and services, and be able to unlock greater opportunities towards increased investment from upgraded logistical connections between the nations, which are more than 500 kilometres apart.

It is also expected to contribute towards a more value-added production industry, most notably improving market access for its agricultural and manufactured exports which is set to ensure Vanuatu will be a stronger trading partner across the greater Pacific region.

New Caledonia's own exports in the region since 2022 have largely increased and Vanuatu — with whom a free trade agreement was signed back in 2019 — is another key destination market.

The establishment of the new shipping route was initially coordinated with an official Vanuatu trade mission to Noumea in April of last year.

"The Karaka - a modern cargo vessel with a capacity of 1,900 tons - will improve Vanuatu's logistics chain for exports and imports," the Ministry of Trade and Commerce said a statement.

"It will serve as a vital link for the shipment of kava, cocoa, copra, handicrafts, and construction materials, supporting Vanuatu's reconstruction and industrial recovery."

Vanuatu's economy is still mounting a cautious fiscal recovery after enduring the triple blow of Cyclones Judy, Kevin, and TC Lola throughout 2023.

Tourism is also reeling following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been dealt a further blow after inflation since peaked in double digits.

The sudden liquidation of Air Vanuatu in 2024 disrupted any sign of a fragile recovery, prompting a downward revision of growth forecasts across nearly all commercial sectors.

The Ministry of Trade and Commerce anticipates growth from trade links in the private sector, as the operational shipping service flows from the exchange of goods and technical expertise develops and market demand rises.

There are plans to organise a welcoming ceremony for the Karaka upon its arrival to Vanuatu next month to mark the start of a new chapter in cultural and regional connectivity.