Polynesian Navigation Company

The Polynesian Navigation Company (Société de Navigation Polynesiènne) (SNP) is a shipping company in French Polynesia which operates routes between Tahiti and the Leeward Islands and Tuamotus. It is a subsidiary of the Martin Group.

Polynesian Navigation Company
IndustryTransport
Founded2014
Area served
French Polynesia
Key people
Tutehau Martin
ProductsSea transport

In May 2014 SNP acquired the assets of the Société de transport insulaire maritime (STIM), including the ferries Hawaikinui and Nuku Hau, following the latter's receivership.[1]

In 2017 SNP applied to the Polynesian Competition Authority for approval to purchase the Taporo fleet, which would hae given it a monopoly on shipping to the Leeward Islands.[2] Approval was granted, subject to a requirement that SNP sell two vessels to maintain competition. This condition led to the collapse of the deal.[3]

In 2019 the company was granted a fuel tax refund to subsidise the Hawaikinui's service to the Leeward Islands.[4]

In March 2022 it announced the construction of a new ferry, Hawaikinui 2, which is expected to replace Hawaikinui in 2025.[5] In March 2023 its new ship, Hava'i, arrived in Papeete for use on the Leeward islands route.[6][7] In April 2023 it applied to the Polynesian Competition Authority for approval to buy Transport maritime des Tuamotu Ouest, operators of the Mareva Nui.[8] Approval was granted in June 2023.[9]

Fleet edit

Name Built In service Gross tonnage Passengers Notes
Hawaikinui 1980 2014 - 879 GT To be replaced 2025
Nuku Hau 1979 2014 - 1,161 GT
Hava'i 2007 2023 - 2,638 GT
Mareva Nui 1978 2023 - 400 GT

References edit

  1. ^ "Transport maritime : une filiale du groupe Martin rachète les actifs de la STIM" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Desserte maritime : l'espoir renaît pour Maupiti" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Desserte maritime : les tāvana des Raromatai veulent passer outre la décision de l'autorité de la concurrence" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  4. ^ "La détaxe carburant reconduite pour la desserte maritime des îles" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  5. ^ "Hawaikinui 2 attendu début 2025 aux Raromatai" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  6. ^ "Le Hava'i a mis le cap sur la Polynésie" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  7. ^ "Le Hava'i s'est amarré en Polynésie" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  8. ^ "La SNP veut racheter le Mareva Nui" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  9. ^ "Transport maritime. L'autorité de la concurrence autorise la reprise du Mareva Nui par le groupe Martin" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.