Project E-Alia: McKay hands over solar electric vessels to Samoan communities

The event marked the completion of Samoa’s first low-carbon maritime project under the CAP-IT programme, bringing together Samoan government representatives, village leaders, residents, officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), representatives of the Government of Japan, and project partners.

The CAP-IT programme (Climate action pathways for Island Transport) forms part of a $37 million (USD) Japanese-funded Green Transformation initiative, implemented by UNDP, which supports green transportation projects in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu. Of this, $15.3 million (USD) has been allocated to Samoa.

Guests gathered at Manono Uta Wharf, where they boarded the newly completed vessels, beautifully adorned in the island’s flora, placed along the hulls and travelled across to Manono Island for the official handover ceremony.

The proceedings included a traditional Samoan welcome and ‘Ava (kava) ceremony led by representatives of the Manono villages, followed by formal addresses from Samoan Government leaders, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and representatives of the Government of Japan.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting to formally mark the handover of the five solar and battery powered electric catamaran vessels to the communities of Manono and Namu’a.

The E-Alia vessels have been designed to suit remote island conditions. Each vessel can operate continuously for up to seven hours at a cruising speed of six knots, providing a range of more than 50 nautical miles on a single charge, even in overcast conditions. On sunnier days, the onboard solar panels further enhance performance, extending operational range. The 12-passenger vessels can be recharged while in port via shore power, with configurable charge rates to suit local infrastructure and operational requirements.

Having been in use since early October, the impact of the new electric vessels is already being felt. With no fuel cost, lower operating costs, and quiet, smooth operation, the vessels have removed many of the pressures associated with marine transport in remote island communities. The vessels will be primarily used to support village life, providing essential transport for people, goods, and community events, including family gatherings and funeral processions. For remote communities, they have eased long-standing logistical challenges, reducing reliance on fuel and removing the need to wait until boats are full before travelling.

In Namu’a, the way that the electric vessel supports visitor transport and day-to-day operations, has fundamentally changed the way its services and business operate.

When asked how the vessels have helped his business, Director of the Namu’a Island site, Levasa Ieti Taisia described the change as “a gift from God,” explaining that the boats have brought him and his community a great sense of ease and reliability that did not exist before.

As part of the contract, McKay has also delivered training for both boat operators and maintainers and will provide maintenance support for two years in partnership with Henry Silva Shipyard. This further invests project funds in Samoa, with four of the boats fabricated and fitout in Samoa, building local skills and ensuring long-term, locally managed vessel upkeep.

Ashley Owen, McKay’s Project Manager and Marine Engineer, says “working on a project like this – one that gives back to fellow tangata moana, people so closely connected to the sea – has been a genuine privilege. The partnerships formed with local Samoan businesses have laid the foundation for what is hoped will be a long-lasting relationship.”

Community members have already described a strong sense of guardianship over the vessels, recognising their responsibility to care for and maintain them so they remain reliable for generations to come.

McKay has over 50 years’ experience delivering projects across the Pacific, including in Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rarotonga, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. From airport infrastructure and wharf upgrades to stadiums and government buildings, our work supports communities in tangible ways.

Mark McGinley, Executive General Manager Technology at McKay says, “being part of these projects is deeply meaningful for us, as we see firsthand the positive impact our expertise has on local communities, helping to strengthen infrastructure, create opportunities, and contribute to lasting development across the region.”

In the future, McKay is looking to expand this work across the Pacific and beyond, advancing sustainable electric propulsion for vessels and supporting communities through meaningful infrastructure projects. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with organisations and stakeholders who share our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact.

Ben Haselden, Manager Marine National for McKay reflects on this project, “this milestone with Project E-Alia not only enhances McKay’s capacity to deliver marine based renewable solutions across New Zealand and the Pacific, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable, community-focused transport in the region bringing technology to an area that didn’t realise they needed it”.

Watch the full video here.