Tonga - 2.1 Tonga Port Assessment
There are three ports in Tonga: Nuku’alofa, Neiafu and Paangai in terms of merchant marine.
The Port of Nuku'alofa is the Kingdom of Tonga's leading port, on the main island of Tongatapu, serving the country’s vital international trades through a broad range of cargo handling and logistics services.
The Ports Authority manages and maintains the operations and assets of the ports, encouraging the development of commercially viable and efficient ports in Tonga. (Source: https://www.portsauthoritytonga.com/about-port-authority )
The existing ports have sufficient capacity for foreseeable needs, and 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 Government of Tonga’s National Infrastructure and Investment Plan (NIIP).
Tonga - 2.1.1 Port of Nuku'alofa
Port Overview
One international container and general cargo terminal at Nuku’alofa and some domestic wharves serving inter-island ferries. The main port at Nuku’alofa was corporatized in 1999, as a statutory authority. Facilities for international shipping are in generally good condition.
Nuku’alofa harbour is the only deep-water harbour of the islands; it is the central hub for boats to the outer islands. There are usually two boats to ʻEua each day, and two to Haʻapai and Vavaʻu each week. In addition to these regular services by shipping companies, private boat owners provide less regular services to smaller islands such as Nomuka and ʻEueiki.
Nuku’alofa port is a fairly deep harbour basin of approximately 3 by 10 kilometers surrounded by fringing reefs. There are two main channels into the alongside berth, one from the north available to all vessels and the other from the east for vessels of less than 110 m LOA. The Marine and Ports Department provide and maintain good solar powered navigation aids. There are two alongside berths and a mooring dolphin for discharge of oil and LPG cargoes. Nuku’alofa, as the major port of Tonga, supports container, ro-ro, general cargo and tanker traffic.
Approximately 200 vessels per annum use the port ranging in size from 4,000 to 50,000 GRT for passenger ships and from 1,500 to 14,000 GRT for merchant ships.
Stevedoring and transport services operate efficiently.
Port website: http://www.portsauthoritytonga.com/about-port-authority
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Tonga |
Province or District |
Tongatapu |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Nuku’alofa 2 kilometres |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Nuku’alofa |
Latitude |
-21.135 |
Longitude |
-175.1889 |
Managing Company or Port Authority
|
Tonga Port Authority |
Management Contact Person |
|
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Fuaʻamotu International Airport Airlines: Fiji Airways, Air NZ, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
Port Picture
1. Queen Salote Domestic Berth #4 2. Queen Salote Domestic Berth #3
3. Queen Salote International Berth #2 4. Queen Salote International Berth #1
5 Touliki Navy Base, breakwater wall. 6. Tug Berth
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Ports Authority Tonga (PAT) manages the port operation. There are 3 companies PFK, Nuku’alofa Stevedoring and KVL providing stevedoring services. Key clearing and shipping companies are Dateline Transam, Royco Shipping and Kagent Ltd.
Transportation ex-port is by owner operator truckers of which there are over 20.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
The port is run efficiently with quick turnaround times There is generally no waiting time, pilot is on call every day except Sunday (until midnight).
Limitations are draft in the Main Channel (10–15m draft) and width for the Narrow Channel, it has a draft of 27m but width dictates maximum ship length of 320m.
There is priority for humanitarian shipping using domestic berths and during emergencies it can use the international berth as priority.
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: https://www.portsauthoritytonga.com/publications-download/file/31-4-por…
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
320 |
15 |
|
Container Berth |
2 |
93 (Q1) 110 (Q2) |
12 11 |
|
Silo Berth |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Berthing Tugs |
2 |
45 |
8 |
|
Water Barges |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
Queen Salote 1 & 2 |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
|
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
|
Other Imports |
Port Handling Equipment
Port of Tonga Ltd operates port equipment.
Stevedoring companies are responsible for moving cargo from the ship to dockside only.
Reachstackers can stack containers full to 2 high, empty to 6 high.
Equipment |
Available
|
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
|
|
Container Gantries |
No |
|
|
Mobile Cranes |
No |
|
|
Reachstacker |
Yes |
Quantity: 3 Capacity: 45T |
Good condition. 1 is new |
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
|
|
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
|
|
Transtainer |
No |
|
|
Forklifts |
Yes |
18 x ranging 3T – 26T |
Good condition |
Container Facilities
There are no dockside cranes. All handling is done with reach stacker and one large (26T) forklift.
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
Storage for up to 700 containers
|
Storage for up to 700 containers
|
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
No |
No |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
Plugs for 63 containers |
Plugs for 63 containers |
Other Capacity Details |
Limited to stack 3 high in windy conditions 100m x 200m area for stacking |
Limited to stack 3 high in windy conditions 100m x 200m area for stacking |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
12 – 14 per hour |
12 – 14 per hour |
Number of Reefer Stations |
Plugs for 63 containers |
Plugs for 63 containers |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
12 – 14 per hour |
12 – 14 per hour |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
|
|
Customs Guidance
Customs are generally very efficient, normal processing time is around one hour. They are not obstructive.
Customs are available 24 hours (except Sundays) located adjacent to the port.
For humanitarian goods, if notified well in advance, most of clearance paperwork can be completed prior to cargo / ship’s arrival
For more information on customs in Tonga, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information Terminal Information
Terminal Information
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
Queen Salote Berths 1 & 2 are multi-purpose and can handle RoRo berthing vessels up to 110 m with 11m drafts.
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
Port is not equipped to handle bulk grain. There are no companies available for bagging and no silo storage facilities.
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
There is one covered warehouse of approximately 3,500m2. There is space for short-term food storage. It is generally full from mid to late December but otherwise available.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
1 |
150 |
Refrigerated Cargo |
||
General Cargo |
None |
0 |
Stevedoring
The private stevedoring companies are responsible for getting the goods off the ship on the quay and vice versa. Tonga Port Authority are responsible for getting containers, and general cargo to the storage area or onto transporters.
There are 3 three private companies who provide stevedoring services. They can provide up to 23 men per shift as required. There have been no issues with availability or performance and they work in well with the TPA.
The Port Master will coordinate stevedoring services as required. They will operate at all times as necessary except Sundays.
Hinterland Information
Private trucking operators move items from the port. They are owner operated and the Port Master coordinates this service. There are over 20 trucks capable of shifting containerised cargo (side lifters) in addition to a wide variety of other freight vehicles. There is sufficient capacity for current and possible surge requirements.
Port Security
Tonga Port Authority employs and manages port security. Security personnel are on site 24/7. Critical areas are fenced.
There are no current security issues.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
Current ISPS Level |
Normal 1 |
Police Boats |
1 |
Fire Engines |
Nuku’alofa Fire Service |
Tonga - 2.1.2 Port of Neiafu
Port Overview
Neiafu is the second-largest town in Tonga with a population of about 6,000. The port of Refuge is a deep-water harbour on the southern coast of Vava'u, the main island of the Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga. Neiafu is the administrative centre of the Vava'u group and has government offices, banks, schools, a police station and a hospital. It is also an important centre for tourism with many yachts anchoring in the Port of Refuge. Queen Halaevalu Wharf is administered and operated by the Marine and Ports Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Queen Halaevalu Wharf is in the Vava'u Group, the second largest group of islands in Tonga, situated in the SW Pacific Ocean.
General overview
Queen Halaevalu Wharf is the main activity centre of the port, handling passengers and domestic and international cargo for the outer island group. There is also a safe anchorage for large cruise liners that cannot reach the wharf.
Queen Halaevalu Wharf can handle international containers and cargo vessels only and domestic vessels. Tankers and LPG vessels are handled at Toula Terminal which is east of Queen Halaevalu Wharf.
The principal exports are copra and bananas.
Load line zone: South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31. Max size: LOA 120m, beam 20m and draught 7.0m.
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Tonga |
Province or District |
Vava’u |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Neiafu. Adjacent to the port |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Neiafu |
Latitude |
-18.6500 |
Longitude |
-173.9833 |
Managing Company or Port Authority
|
Marine and Ports Division, Ministry of Infrastructure |
Management Contact Person |
Fualapaha Fuavao, OIC Marine and Ports Vava’u |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Lupepauʻu Airport International Flights: Fiji Airways direct from Nadi, Fiji or via Lulutai Airline from Fuamotu International Airport |
Port Picture
(Source: Google Earth- Airbus 11/05/2021)
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Marine and Ports Division (MPD) under the Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing and managing of Queen Halaevalu Wharf at Neiafu, Vava’u. It has been declared under Port Management Act, as the Government Wharf amongst others.
Queen Halaevalu Wharf is the second international port for Tonga and can cater for limited sizes and tonnage of vessels, including all domestic vessels calling Vava’u.
There is only one stevedoring company in Vava’u which is the Vava’u Shipping Services.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
Queen Halaevalu Wharf’s maximum draft for the channel is 6.6m and recommended times for vessels to berth with draft over 6m is 1 hour before or after high tide (5.5m Low Water). Pilotage service is compulsory and the Pilot must board outside of the harbour limit, which is an imaginary line crossing from Lotuma Island to Teleki (part of Tu’anuku Village).
The Pilot boarding area is recommended to be at Faihava passage between Tu’ungasika and Luafatu Island if weather permits.
Average time from pilot boarding to berthing is 1 hour.
Seasonal Constraints
|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
---|---|---|
Rainy Season |
No |
N/A |
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
N/A |
Other Comments |
Small port with no handling facilities |
Handling Figures for 2022 |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
12 for international vessels and 20 for domestic vessels (maximum per year) |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
220 TEUS |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2022 |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
No |
Break bulk (MT) |
No |
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: https://www.portsauthoritytonga.com/publications-download/file/31-4-ports-authority-tariff-fees-dec20131
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
- |
- |
- |
Pier depth 8.1 m – 10.1 m |
Container Berth |
1 |
65 m |
6.6 |
This is the only international berth in the port of Neiafu Pier depth 7.1 m – 9.1 m |
Silo Berth |
No |
- |
- |
- |
Berthing Tugs |
No |
- |
- |
- |
Water Barges |
No |
- |
- |
- |
Additional information source https://shipnext.com/port/neiafu-vavau-tonei-ton
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
No |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
No |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
No |
Other Imports |
No |
Port Handling Equipment
There are two forklifts at the wharf which is owned by the Stevedoring Company. One forklift is 3.5 tons and the other is 7 tons.
Equipment |
Available
|
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
- |
- |
Container Gantries |
No |
- |
- |
Mobile Cranes |
No |
- |
- |
Reachstacker |
No |
- |
- |
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
- |
- |
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
- |
- |
Transtainer |
No |
- |
- |
Forklifts |
Yes |
1 |
3-5 mt |
Container Facilities
There are no cranes onsite. The side lifters of the container truck are used for the movement of containers inside and outside the wharf.
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
No |
No |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
Yes |
Yes |
Other Capacity Details |
N/A |
N/A |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
N/A |
N/A |
Number of Reefer Stations |
One |
One |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
N/A |
N/A |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/A |
N/A |
Customs Guidance
Customs are on hand for all arrivals when notified prior by MPD. They are generally efficient and effective in executing their duties.
For more information on customs in Tonga, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Terminal Information
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
There is no multipurpose terminal facility.
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
There are no grain and bulk handling facilities.
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
There are no storage facilities Customs may be able to provide minimal short-term storage in their shed. (100 m2))
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
N/A |
N/A |
Refrigerated Cargo |
N/A |
N/A |
General Cargo |
N/A |
N/A |
Stevedoring
There is only one stevedoring company at the wharf which is the Vava’u Shipping Services. The company has two forklifts to assist during operations. Vessels with cranes and forklifts onboard can assist from board to dockside.
Hinterland Information
There are two side-lifters - one is 20ft and belongs to the Guttenbeil Transport and the second which belongs to Lavulavu Quarry is 40ft. They are both available to assist during operations at the wharf.
Port Security
Port is fenced with 24/7 gatehouse security. No history of security issues.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
Pilot Boat |
1 |
Fire Stations |
300m from the wharf |
Tonga - 2.1.3 Port of Pangai
Port Overview
Pangai is the administrative capital village of the Ha’apai Group in Tonga. The village is on the western shore of Lifuka and has about 2,000 inhabitants.
The Port of Pangai belongs to the Marine and Ports Division and it is very small.
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Tonga |
Province or District |
Lifuka |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Pangai Adjacent |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Pangai |
Latitude |
-19.80472 |
Longitude |
-174.3517 |
Managing Company or Port Authority
|
Marine and Ports Division, Ministry of Infrastructure |
Management Contact Person |
Viliami Tukumoe’atu |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Pilolevu Airport (only for domestic flights) |
Port Picture
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Marine and Ports Division under the Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing and managing Taufa’ahau Wharf at Pangai, Ha’apai. It has been declared under the Port Management Act, as the Government Wharf amongst others.
Taufa’ahau Wharf is a domestic wharf which caters only for domestic vessels operating in Tongan waters. There are limited sizes of vessels which can berth alongside the wharf as well as entering the wharf channel.
Cruise vessels that visit the Ha’apai Group are required to anchor at a position designated by the Pilot or Harbour Master which is outside of the harbour basin. Majority of cruise vessels are anchored at Uoleva Islands. The passengers disembark onto small vessels if they wish to visit ashore. Pilotage within Ha’apai harbour limit area is compulsory for all international vessels visited Ha’apai Group.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
The Port is only used by interisland ferries and smaller interisland shipping vessels. The wharf’s draft is the limiting factor with a maximum draft of 1.5m. There are no handling facilities.
Seasonal Constraints
|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
---|---|---|
Rainy Season |
No |
N/A |
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
N/A |
Other Comments |
Small port with no handling facilities |
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: https://www.portsauthoritytonga.com/publications-download/file/31-4-ports-authority-tariff-fees-dec20131
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
165 |
1.5 |
Pier depth 1.8 m – 3 m |
Container Berth |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Silo Berth |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Berthing Tugs |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Water Barges |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
1 |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
1 |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
None |
Other Imports |
None |
Port Handling Equipment
There is no handling equipment.
Equipment |
Available
|
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
_ |
_ |
Container Gantries |
No |
_ |
_ |
Mobile Cranes |
No |
_ |
_ |
Reachstacker |
No |
_ |
_ |
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
_ |
_ |
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
_ |
_ |
Transtainer |
No |
_ |
_ |
Forklifts |
No |
No |
_ |
Container Facilities
No Container facilities or other facilities
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
None |
None |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
_ |
_ |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
- |
- |
Other Capacity Details |
- |
- |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
- |
- |
Number of Reefer Stations |
- |
- |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
- |
- |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
- |
- |
Customs Guidance
No customs service available
For more information on customs in Tonga, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Terminal Information
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
There are no multipurpose terminal facilities.
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
There is no grain or bulk handling facility.
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
There is no storage available.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
Nil |
Nil |
Refrigerated Cargo |
Nil |
Nil |
General Cargo |
Nil |
Nil |
Stevedoring
No stevedoring services available. Individual locals may be employed on a daily basis to assist with unloading as required.
Hinterland Information
Tractor-trailer or local’s vehicles must do transportation from port.
Port Security
No fence, no security.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
No |
Current ISPS Level |
N/A |
Police Boats |
No |
Fire Engines |
No |