Tonga - 2.5 Waterways Assessment
NOTE:
Waterways in this context relates to ‘interisland sea travel’.
Domestic shipping services
There is one domestic shipping service, the government-owned Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA) which operates inter-island shipping services, including the ferry service, on a commercial basis.
Due to the isolated nature and relatively small size and population of a few outer islands, internal (interisland) waterways form a vital part of Tonga’s supply chain. Many of the smaller islands have neither docking capability for larger vessels nor airstrips, making them reliant on supply by small boats for commerce, social, educational and medical needs.
There are a few smaller, private operators transporting small cargo and providing water taxi and charter services.
Services are weather-dependent and may be cancelled due to windy / rough water conditions, particularly during the cyclone season (Nov – Apr).
The Government has stated its highest priority for the maritime sector is increasing the safety and resilience of all maritime activities, especially in relation to inter-island shipping. There is currently no budget or timelines set for any significant developments.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List
Company Information
The sole domestic shipping company operating is the government-owned Friendly Islands Shipping Agency.
There is adequate cargo and passenger capacity at present and there are no immediate plans to expand services in the region.
Maintenance and safety issues have arisen in the past with reported ferry groundings. The most notable incident was the sinking of the inter-island ferry the MV Princess Ashika which sank in 2009 with the loss of 74 persons. Despite the Ministry of Transport surveyor’s claims which considered the vessel to be totally unseaworthy, they failed to stop vessel operations.
For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Passenger Carrying Capacity
|
|
Friendly Islands Shipping Company (FISA) |
|---|---|
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 20 Passengers |
0 |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 50 Passengers |
0 |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 100 Passengers |
0 |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels > 100 Passengers |
1 (400 passengers) |
|
|
Friendly Islands Shipping Company (FISA) |
|---|---|
|
Number of Boats |
2 |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
1 x 520 MT (plus 400 passengers) 1 x 241 MT =761 MT total |
|
Number of Barges |
None |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
N/A |
|
Number of Tugs |
None |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
N/A |
Travel Time Matrix
The travel times below are taken using the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa. (400 passenger Ferryboat)
Travel time from main port to other major ports on a moving vessel (travel times indicated in hours)
|
|
Nuku’alofa |
Nomuka |
Ha’afeva |
Pangai |
Neiafu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nuku’alofa |
|
5 |
7 |
9.5 |
16.5 |
|
Nomuka |
5 |
|
2 |
4.5 |
11.5 |
|
Ha’afeva |
7 |
2 |
|
2.5 |
9.5 |
|
Pangai |
9.5 |
4.5 |
2.5 |
|
7 |
|
Neiafu |
16.5 |
11.5 |
9.5 |
7 |
|
Port Information
Key Port Information
|
|
Nuku’alofa |
Nei’afu |
Pangai |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Nukualofa, Tongatapu |
Nei’afu, Vava’u |
Pangai, Ha’apai |
|
Contact Information |
|
|
|
|
Connections with Other Transport Means |
21 km by road to Fua 'motu International Airport |
10 km by road to Lupepauʻu Airport |
10 km to Lifuka Airport |
|
Storage Capacity (m2 and m3) |
No |
No |
No |
|
Handling Equipment |
|
|
|
|
Customs Clearance Available |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Other Comments |
|
|
|