Growth
p. 36 · Read in the full issue
Vanuatu
Through
Local
Training
V
anuatu is another example of a “small seed” growing into a lus cious and bountiful success. Oth
erwise known as “The Land” Vanuatu gained independance in June 1980, and a largely rural-based population began to attract new business investment.
Prior to this, the former New Hebri des’ gas supply began in 1963, when 13
kilogram cylinders were shipped in from
France, a round trip of approximately five months.
In 1970, partnered with both foreign and local investors, Boral Gas established Hebrigaz, and built the first terminal of 80-tonne capacity in Port Vila.
This was followed in 1974 by another 120-tonne capacity facility at Santo, 90 min utes flying time from Port Vila, owned solely by Boral. At this stage sales were
about 20 tonnes per month and there were
six employees.
In 1995, Boral can lay claim to an op eration which has quadrupled its output to more than 90 tonnes per month, and increased its workforce to 15 people. Port Vila is also significant as it is the Port of Registry for Boral Gas Pacific’s (BGP) two ships, Boral Gas and Pacific Gas.
Part of the reason for Vanuatu’s success is the dedication to employee training and specialist safety proce dures. Regular training programs are conducted to ensure standardised and safe operating procedures.
Vanuatu manager George Dubois says that the recent TV advertising campaign on the island—based on “Boral Gas ... eye ino crae” which means no tears with Boral Gas ... had sparked an enthusiastic con sumer response and vastly improved the awareness of LPG as a clean and environ mentally friendly fuel.