Five electric boats were officially launched at Faleū, Manono Tai under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project, marking a new step in Samoa’s transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient maritime transport.
The launch was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, who described the initiative as part of Samoa’s broader effort to strengthen climate resilience while improving transport systems for island and coastal communities.
The project is supported by funding from the Government of Japan, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as project manager. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged Japan’s continued support for climate resilience and sustainable development in Samoa, and UNDP’s role in overseeing the project from planning through to implementation.
The Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure carried out safety compliance checks, inspections, and sea trials to ensure the vessels meet operational standards. Community engagement was led by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, working closely with the villages of Faleū, Apai, Lepuia‘i, Salua, and Namu‘a to support local ownership and integration of the boats.
“O le Poloketi CAP-IT o se vaega autū i taumafaiga a Samoa e fausia le gafataulimaina ma le malosi e tete’e atu i suiga o le tau i auala o fela’ua’iga.”
The CAP-IT Project is aligned with Samoa’s Nationally Determined Contributions and the Sustainable Development Goals, and is intended to demonstrate how clean transport solutions can be applied in Small Island Developing States. The electric boats are expected to reduce carbon emissions, protect the marine environment, and promote the use of clean energy in maritime transport.
According to the address, the new e-alias will support local livelihoods, improve transport safety, and strengthen resilience in coastal communities. The project was also described as a model for future green transport initiatives in Samoa and across the Pacific, with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister formally declared the five electric boats launched under the CAP-IT Project, acknowledging the collaboration between government agencies, development partners, village representatives, and stakeholders involved in delivering the initiative.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister at the official launch of the CAP-IT electric boats at Faleū, Manono Tai.
