Frequently Asked Questions
- What is WFP Shipping Service?
WFP Shipping Service, part of the WFP global organization, is a special operation that was set up in early October 2005 to provide sea transport for the movement of cargo to the humanitarian and recovery community along the East, North and West Coasts of Aceh Province, and the islands of Simeulue and Nias.
The humanitarian and recovery community in NAD-Nias has a limited choice of air, sea and road transport. Air movement is available through UNHAS or NGO aircraft, but the number of helicopters and aircraft is gradually being reduced, with consequent impact on flexibility and capacity.
Sea movement depends upon a dwindling inventory of commercial vessels that have limited capacity and capability. Road movement is precarious: some locations cannot even be reached by road, some only by 4x4 vehicles, and fewer still by 15 ton trucks. This will only continue to worsen during the rainy season and until new roads are constructed, as existing roads cannot withstand the heavy traffic required to meet the logistical demands of the humanitarian and reconstruction community.
- How much does the WFP Shipping Service cost?
The service is currently offered at no cost to the user. Services provided include:
- Delivery of cargo from the keyside of the load port to the keyside of the discharge port
- Labor for loading and discharging of all items, including the use of cranes and operators to move heavier cargo
- Assistance with customs clearance
- Advice on how to properly package materials in order to minimize damage
- Does WFPSS have a regular working schedule of shipments and sailing times?
There is no set sailing schedule for the WFP Shipping Service fleet, as cargo is moved on an as-needed basis. However, a regular ferry service runs between Sibolga and Nias. For an overview of ports that are served regularly and the estimated sailing times between ports, please click here
. Other locations can be added on the basis of a WFPSS landing site assessment for safe landing and no navigational constraints.- Does WFP Shipping Service ship commercial cargo?
The WFP Shipping Service was designed to specifically serve the humanitarian reconstruction and recovery effort in NAD- Nias. WFP Shipping Service will therefore only consider bookings made directly by local NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies or the BRR.
- Will WFP Shipping Service package my cargo before loading it?
The packaging of the cargo is the responsibility of the agency or their supplier who is delivering the cargo to the loadport. Agencies are urged to ensure that cargo is properly protected from weather elements as well as to provide well-constructed pallets (where applicable) so that they do not break while transported by the forklift.
- Does WFP Shipping Service provide equipment for discharging cargo?
WFP Shipping Service has several mobile cranes and forklifts of various capacity for the loading and discharge of cargo. In addition, the WFP Shipping Service provides the labor to operate the machinery at no cost. Where machinery is not needed, the WFP Shipping Service has stevedores who are contracted to load/discharge the cargo to the keyside.
- Once the cargo is discharged from the vessel, will WFP Shipping Service help me move my cargo to its final destination?
WFP Shipping Service will deliver the cargo to the keyside only. Thereafter, the consignee is responsible for on-ward movement of the cargo to the final destination.
- What type of cargo can/cannot be shipped by the WFP Shipping Service?
WFP Shipping Service will consider the shipment of all cargo with the exception of dangerous goods and persons.
- What happens after I submit my booking to WFP Shipping Service?
Once a booking is made, the WFP Shipping Service team will notify you by phone or email of the latest cargo shipment schedule. The time-frame of the initial contact depends upon when the next available vessel will be ready for loading. To learn more about the booking process, please click here