Inter-island trade is a core mission of the Port of Papeete, serving the territorial continuity and economic balance of French Polynesia. As a central logistics hub, the port ensures the redistribution of goods to all the archipelagos, guaranteeing the regular supply of the islands and sustaining local economic activity.
The port infrastructure and operational systems implemented are adapted to the specific characteristics of inter-island maritime transport, marked by the diversity of destinations, volumes, and geographical constraints. The Port Authority of Papeete thus supports maritime operators in organizing these flows, ensuring the reliability of operations, the security of trade, and compliance with applicable regulations.
Beyond its logistical dimension, inter-island trade is part of a public service and solidarity framework between territories. By guaranteeing the continuity of trade between Tahiti and the archipelagos, the Port Authority of Papeete contributes directly to the cohesion of Polynesia, the stability of supply chains, and the harmonious development of all the islands.
Located on the east coast of Moorea, the port of Vaiare is the main maritime connection point between Moorea and Tahiti. A true inter-island hub, it ensures the daily movement of passengers, vehicles and goods under optimized conditions of safety and efficiency.
The quay has approximately 200 meters of berth space designed to accommodate several vessels simultaneously, thanks to its various berths adapted to the diverse configurations of the ferries operating on the route. The berthing infrastructure, reinforced by robust technical equipment, ensures safe and smooth maneuvers.
The port is served by several shipping companies offering regular services, with crossings taking between 30 and 50 minutes. Each operator has specific facilities facilitating the boarding and disembarking of passengers and vehicles, allowing for efficient organization tailored to the characteristics of each vessel.
Designed as a multimodal platform, the site benefits from multiple maritime and land access points, directly linking the maritime station to the ring road. All flows—passengers, vehicles, logistics—are structured to optimize traffic flow while minimizing bottlenecks.
The port also has several parking areas, both public and private, distributed around the maritime station, offering a capacity adapted to the daily needs of users.
Beyond its operational function, the port of Vaiare plays a central role in the economic and social life of Moorea, ensuring essential territorial continuity with Tahiti and facilitating large-scale inter-island exchanges.
Within the framework of the 2022–2032 master plan of Autonomous Port of Papeete, The port of Vaiare is undergoing a major redevelopment project designed to address the ongoing growth in traffic between Tahiti and Moorea. Currently facing a lack of land-based space, aging infrastructure, and an organization that generates congestion during peak periods, the site requires a complete overhaul. The project includes a comprehensive reorganization of the port, incorporating possibilities for expansion towards the sea, inland, or vertically, as well as the modernization of the maritime terminals, equipment, and landscaping. This transformation is part of a coherent and collaborative approach aimed at sustainably improving traffic flow, user comfort, and the port's integration into the urban development of Vaiare.
Contacts:
E-mail : portdevaiare@portppt.pf
Moorea site manager – Mr. Matahi TAURU – (+689) 40 47 48 40 or (+689) 89 44 04 40
Manager of the Vaiaire ferry terminal – Mr Heirava TAVAITAI – (+689) 40 47 48 41
Operations agents – Mobile: (+689) 89 36 93 83
Located within the Autonomous Port of Papeete, The coastal shipping docks constitute a strategic link in inter-island maritime transport in French Polynesia. They ensure the daily transit of goods, the embarkation of passengers, and the logistical support of the territory's various archipelagos.
These wharves, vital links between Tahiti and the outlying islands, welcome numerous coastal vessels operating to the Leeward Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. This sustained activity ensures the regular supply of the islands, the circulation of essential goods, and the maintenance of economic exchanges across the territory.
The operation of the quays relies on a complex organization, characterized by close interaction between ship loading and unloading, freight movements, and logistical flows on the port's storage areas. To support traffic growth and improve operating conditions, the Port Authority regularly undertakes modernization projects focusing on infrastructure, storage areas, and internal traffic flow.
The various quays have technical features adapted to the diversity of vessels accommodated, with several berths ensuring continuous operation of inter-island routes. Coastal quay no. 2 notably accommodates the ARANUI V, an iconic vessel providing service between Tahiti, the Tuamotu Islands, and the Marquesas Islands.
Beyond their operational dimension, the coastal shipping docks of Papeete play a fundamental role in the territorial cohesion of French Polynesia, ensuring weekly connections between Tahiti and the islands of all the archipelagos.
Located on the island of Raiatea, The port of Uturoa is one of the main port infrastructures of the Leeward Islands. A true maritime exchange platform, it accommodates merchant ships, passenger ships and cruise ships, actively contributing to territorial continuity and the economic dynamism of the region.
The port receives several weekly rotations of inter-island and passenger ferries, ensuring the regular supply of goods to the island and the movement of travelers within the archipelago. This sustained activity contributes directly to the local economy, the development of tourism, and the maintenance of trade between the islands.
Port operations are coordinated by the Harbour Master's Office of Autonomous Port of Papeete, which manages port calls, plans ship movements and coordinates with the various port, security and safety services.
Beyond its technical and logistical functions, the port of Uturoa is undergoing a modernization and development process. Several projects are underway to improve user services, strengthen the site's urban integration, and support local artisanal activity, particularly through the renovation of artisans' workshops located near the port.
Thanks to its strategic position in the heart of the Leeward Islands, the port of Uturoa is today an essential facility for the functioning of the territory and the fluidity of regional maritime trade.
