The Government of Vanuatu has selected TRL to implement and roll out its iROADS Road Asset Management system to strengthen the country’s transport network. This initiative marks an important step towards building a more climate-resilient, sustainable, and well-maintained road system, helping Vanuatu plan, manage, and protect its infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and west of Fiji, Vanuatu is an island nation with a road network of approximately 2,900 kilometres, the majority of which are unsealed and vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. Strengthening this network is essential for national connectivity, disaster response, and economic development.

Under the new commission, funded by the World Bank under the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project, TRL will collaborate closely with the Vanuatu Public Works Department to enhance the climate resilience of the national road system and optimise the maintenance process. The programme will also help to ensure the country has the capacity to respond effectively to future crises or emergencies affecting transport infrastructure.

The project involves the full configuration and deployment of the iROADS system, comprehensive data collection across Vanuatu’s core road network, and the generation of multi-year maintenance and investment plans to support sustainable decision-making. A critical component of the work will be the institutionalisation of asset management practices and extensive training to build local technical capability within Vanuatu’s transport sector.

TRL will be supported by partners NTRO (National Transport Research Organisation) and Experion Technologies, whose expertise in infrastructure management and digital systems respectively will strengthen the delivery of this ambitious programme. Together, the partners will provide an integrated approach that combines advanced technology, field data, and local knowledge to improve the country’s infrastructure resilience.

As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Vanuatu faces frequent challenges from tropical cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, sea level rise and coastal inundation which can exacerbate these problems. The introduction of iROADS will enable the government to adopt a more data-driven approach to managing its road assets, prioritising maintenance and investment where it is most needed, and strengthening long-term resilience against natural disasters.

“We are proud to partner with the Government of Vanuatu in delivering sustainable, data-driven solutions for their road network,” said Subu Kamal, Head of Product for TRL Software. “This project reflects TRL’s ongoing commitment to helping island nations build climate-resilient infrastructure that supports communities, trade, and disaster preparedness.”

Andre Iautipu, Acting Director: Public Works Department, MIPU, Vanuatu said “This Initiative with TRL marks an important milestone in delivering on the goals of Vanuatu 2030, The People’s Plan, our National Sustainable Development Plan for 2016–2030. By implementing the iROADS system, we are advancing our vision for a stable, sustainable, and prosperous Vanuatu. A resilient and well-managed road network underpins national connectivity, supports inclusive economic growth, and strengthens our capacity to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change. The iROADS project will help us make data-driven decisions that secure a better future for our people.”

This collaboration will establish iROADS as a key component of Vanuatu’s national transport strategy and demonstrate how evidence-based planning can support climate adaptation and inclusive economic growth across the Pacific region.

Note to Editors

• About NTRO

The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) collaborates with all levels of government, transport agencies, consultants, and private sector organisations on all aspects of transport and mobility in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. NTRO is innovation driven, delivering innovative transport solutions that are safer, more sustainable and value-for-money.

• About Experion Technologies

Experion Technologies is an AI-native Product Engineering and Digital Transformation company with 1,650+ digital experts and a strong presence across Europe. With five global offices, Experion has partnered with 500+ clients and delivered 350+ products across 37 countries.

The company works with leading organizations across Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, Transport & Logistics, and EdTech, helping them modernize legacy systems, adopt cloud technologies, and build resilient, future-ready digital products.

Experion’s excellence has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Clutch, Inc. 5000, Everest Group, the Dallas 100 by SMU Cox, DBJ’s Fast 50, and an Honourable Mention at Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards. Experion is also a Great Place to Work–certified company for four consecutive years.

• About World Bank

The World Bank Group is a multilateral development institution whose mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a liveable planet. It provides financing, technical assistance and knowledge to support projects that promote sustainable economic development and improve quality of life in low- and middle-income countries. 

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