Government Launches Five Electric Boats for Manono Island

Apia, SAMOA – 15 December 2025 – The residents of Manono Island that rely daily on double hulled fishing boats – Alias – for transport to and from the main islands, received five electric boats in the weekend.

Launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, the five electric boats, or e-alias, were provided under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project.

The launch ceremony was held in the weekend at Faleū village on Manono Island and attended by the district MP and Speaker of Parliament –Au’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola, Mr Ryotaro Suzuki – the Ambassador of Japan, Ms. Aliona Niculita – UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the village representatives.

Some of the guests at the electric boats launch ceremony at Faleu village on Manono Island.

Toelupe acknowledged the Government of Japan for their generous funding and unwavering support and commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Samoa.

He also paid tribute to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has played a pivotal role as the Project Manager in implementing this project.

To the Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI), enforced safety compliance and conducting rigorous inspections and sea trials to guarantee the safe operation of these vessels.

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), played a pivotal role in engaging the five villages of Faleῡ, Apai, Lepuia’i, Salua, and Namu’a in ensuring community ownership and smooth integration and use of the vessels.

The vessels were provided under the CAP-IT Project which is a cornerstone of Samoa’s efforts to build climate resilience and sustainable transport systems.

The introduction of electric alias marks a significant step towards:

• Reducing carbon emissions,
• Protecting our marine environment, and
• Promoting clean energy solutions.

This initiative aligns with Samoa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a clear demonstration of how innovation can drive climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This achievement reflects the strength of partnerships – between the Samoa Government, development partners, and our communities. It shows that international cooperation can deliver practical solutions for the unique challenges faced by island nations like ours.

These e-alias will:

• Support local livelihoods,
• Improve safe transportation, and
• Enhance resilience in coastal communities.

The initiative serves as a model for future green transport projects in Samoa and across the Pacific region. It strengthens Samoa’s resolve to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and protect marine ecosystems for generations to come.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his deepest gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and dedication.

“Let us continue working together to advance sustainable maritime transport and climate adaptation initiatives,” he stated.