Best of BMT - Crucial Coconut Commerce

In Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia, coconuts are critical to the economy. But after more than two decades of declining production, the island nation is now making steady progress toward rehabilitating the flagging industry.

That progress is due in large part to the Coconut for Life Project - a corporate social responsibility initiative designed to revive and develop the Federated States of Micronesia’s crucial coconut commerce. Vital FSM Petroleum Corporation (FSMPC) was tasked with spearheading the project to increase the trade in coconut tree products, as well as the processing, manufacturing, distribution and export of high-value goods in order to improve the quality of life throughout the region.
As a trusted partner for many years in the delivery of the Coconut for Life project, we’re proud to support FSMPC in acquiring existing and new-build vessels for the coconut farming and processing project in Chuuk and to help deliver materials handling and port infrastructure studies.

Our broad range of port infrastructure, logistics, mechanical engineering and marine surveying experience have helped provide a “one stop shop” for FSMPC.

The geographical remoteness of the project and the general lack of locally available services were two issues that both posed their own unique challenges, however we were able to select the right vessels for the customer’s needs, define the modifications that would need to be made to the region’s ports and assess the best logistics solutions to help materials and goods flow efficiently between the islands.
We’ll continue to support this important project with ongoing sustainment even after the vessels are delivered, and we’re proud to have helped restore the coconut industry to the islands in a way that will benefit the economy and the people of Chuuk for years to come.

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This article is part of #BestOfBMT 2019, featuring our best projects throughout the year.