Australia’s Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, has delivered critical humanitarian assistance to Banaba island in Kiribati following a request from the President.

Banaba Island is one of Kiribati’s most isolated outer islands, where limited access and infrastructure constrain the delivery of essential services. 

With no rivers or groundwater, the island is also highly vulnerable to drought and relies on limited rainwater for its fresh water supply.

Operating 150 metres offshore using dynamic positioning, ADV Reliant conducted a complex maritime logistics operation over three days, transferring 400,000 litres of fresh drinking water into the island’s storage tanks and delivering 15 pallets of humanitarian stores.

ADV Reliant’s Naval Liaison Officer Lieutenant Commander BJ Glover said the delivery highlighted the vessel’s ability to provide practical support to remote Pacific communities.

“Banaba island’s remoteness presents genuine challenges for the local community,” Lieutenant Commander Glover said.

“ADV Reliant’s ability to deliver large volumes of water and essential supplies safely from offshore demonstrates the value of having a vessel purpose-built to support Pacific partners.

“This mission was a combined effort between our crew, Kiribati counterparts and embarked Australian officials, all working together to achieve a shared outcome.”

'This support directly improves the wellbeing of our people and reflects the strong partnership between Kiribati and Australia.'

Embarked on board ADV Reliant for the delivery were Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati Mark Foxe, Kiribati’s Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Tekeeua Tarati, and senior representatives from the Government of Kiribati and the Australian High Commission in Tarawa.

Mr Foxe said the visit reinforced the strength of Australia’s relationship with Kiribati.

“Australia’s partnership with Kiribati is founded on cooperation, respect and practical support,” Mr Foxe said.

“ADV Reliant’s presence on Banaba island delivered tangible assistance while demonstrating Australia’s long-term commitment to supporting Kiribati, including in its most remote locations.”

Mr Tarati welcomed Australia’s assistance and highlighted the importance of reliable water access and logistics for outer island communities.

“For remote islands like Banaba, access to fresh water and essential supplies is critical,” Mr Tarati said.

“This support directly improves the wellbeing of our people and reflects the strong partnership between Kiribati and Australia.”

While alongside Banaba island, the crew of ADV Reliant and embarked representatives met with members of the local community, distributed humanitarian stores and spent time ashore engaging with residents.

The delivery was part of ADV Reliant’s role as Australia’s Pacific Support Vessel, providing humanitarian assistance, operational presence and community engagement in support of Australia’s Pacific partners.