Tonga Port Assessment

There are three main ports in Tonga: Neiafu, Nuku’alofa and Pangai. Nuku’alofa is the central hub for transport in Tonga and international import and export cargo shipping.  It is also the entry point for international cruise ships. Nuku’alofa Port complies with relevant international and IMO operating requirements.

The existing ports have sufficient capacity for foreseeable needs. Whilst the port system meets these basic needs for coverage, capacity and compliance, the standard of infrastructure has suffered from a lack of investment in core infrastructure and facilities, and insufficient emphasis on maintenance of outer-island ports and channels.

However these issues are being addressed as part of the GoT’s National Infrastructure and Investment Plan (NIIP).