ADB, Australia, and Tonga Celebrate Milestone in Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project

The Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project began in 2020 and has reached several key milestones, including the completion of Phase 1.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) joined the Governments of Australia and Tonga in celebrating the commissioning of Wharf 1, a significant achievement in the Nuku'alofa Port Upgrade Project.

Tonga Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling, accompanied by Minister for Infrastructure Sevenitini Toumo'ua, ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez, and Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Brek Batley.

Key Remarks:

Ms. Gutierrez highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, "ADB deeply appreciates the partnership with the Government of Australia to support Tonga in undertaking this critical climate-resilient infrastructure investment. This transformational project is making maritime transportation safer and more reliable from Nuku'alofa to the outer islands, including during extreme weather events, and will boost Tonga's connectivity to the region."

Mr. Batley emphasized the significance of the port upgrade, "The Queen SIW connects Tonga to global trade. This milestone highlights the strong partnership between Australia, Tonga, and ADB, enhancing the port's resilience and sustainability. The Australian Government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity—in Tonga and across the Pacific—to ensure prosperity for communities and for generations to come."

Mr. Toumo'ua underscored the economic importance of the project, "The economic importance of Tonga's ports for local industry, businesses, and everyday life cannot be understated, and the Government of Tonga is pleased to be partnering with Australia and ADB to make these much-needed upgrades a reality, with climate resilience as a key focus."

Project Highlights:

The Nuku'alofa Port Upgrade Project began in 2020 and has reached several key milestones, including the completion of Phase 1. This phase involved constructing a mooring dolphin 1, mooring Dolphin 3, a berthing dolphin, rehabilitating Wharf 1, and developing pavement and other facilities such as stormwater, electrical, firefighting, and freshwater systems.

Funding and Contributions:

The project is funded by a $45 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, aimed at supporting ADB's poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. In 2023, ADB approved an additional $10 million grant. The Australian Government, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, contributed $20 million. The Government of Tonga also contributed $8.5 million, bringing the total project value to $83.5 million.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the involved parties to enhancing Tonga's maritime infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, climate-resilient, and capable of supporting the nation's economic growth and connectivity in the Pacific region.