Two projects set to improve safety, efficiency, climate resilience of maritime operations

Thousands of communities across the North Pacific will benefit from significant upgrades to maritime infrastructure and improved connectivity following approval by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors of two grants for US$38.5 million and US$33.1 million for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Marshall Islands, respectively.

The Federated States of Micronesia Maritime Investment Project will include construction and rehabilitation of maritime infrastructure across the country, including upgrades or repairs to drainage, terminal structures, berthing and apron facilities at Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap ports to strengthen safety and security of  and improve the reliability of connections between the four states and outer islands.

In the neighboring Marshall Islands, the Marshall Islands Maritime Investment Project will include the upgrade or repair of quays and other structures, and improved safety and port operations at Delap, Uliga, Ebeye, and outer island docks to strengthen maritime transport across the Marshall Islands and improve the reliability of connections between the capital, Majuro and outer islands.

Both countries are heavily dependent on marine resources for international, inter-state and inter-island trade. However, many ports lack suitable infrastructure, making travel in bad weather or at night particularly dangerous. This increases the vulnerability of outer island communities, most of whom depend on maritime transport to access education, markets and health services. Climate change is also a significant threat to maritime operations, with sea-level rise accelerating the rate of coastal erosion and exacerbating the deterioration of key port infrastructure.

The two projects, the World Bank’s first transport infrastructure investments in the North Pacific, will improve both countries’ resilience to natural disasters and climate change and will strengthen communities’ access to food, water, fuel and emergency response services.

Original source: World Bank
Published on 09 May 2019