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. Port of Neiafu (Vava’u) belongs to Ministry of Marine and Ports and it is Harbor. Port of Neiafu (Vava’u)'s size is small.
Key port information can also be found at: Maritime Database Website information on Tonga
Port Location and Contacts |
|
---|---|
Country |
Tonga |
Province or District |
Vava'u |
Town or City (Closest location) with Distance (km) |
Name : Neiafu Adjacent to port |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Neiafu |
Latitude |
-18.65583 |
Longitude |
-173.9844 |
Managing Company or Port Authority (If more than one operator, break down by area of operation) |
Tonga Port Authority |
Management Contact Person |
Sioeli Fifita |
Closest Airport and Frequent Airlines to / from International Destinations |
Airport Name: Lupepauʻu Airport (10 km) Airlines: Fiji |
Port Picture
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Tonga Port Authority is responsible for managing the port facility and coordination with customs. There is only one stevedoring company and limited off loading and transport capacity.
For information on Tonga Port of Neiafu contact details, please see the following links:
4.2.4 Tonga Port and Waterways Company Contact List
4.2.1 Tonga Government Contact List
Port Performance
Seasonal Constraints |
Yes / No |
Time frame |
---|---|---|
Rainy Season |
No | n/a |
Major Import Campaigns |
No | n/a |
Other |
n/a |
Small port with no handling facilities |
Handling Figures 2015 |
|
Vessel Calls |
n/a |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
Nil international |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk 2015 |
|
Bulk and Break Bulk (MT) |
Nil |
Break bulk (MT) | Nil |
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
- |
- |
- |
Pier depth 7.1 m – 9.1 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 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Berthing Tugs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Water Barges |
- |
- |
- |
- |
The maximum draft for the channel is 6.6m but recommended times for vehicles with draft over 6m is 1 hour before of after high tide. Pilot is compulsory and must be boarded outside of the harbour limit, which is an imaginary line crossing from Lotuma Island to Teleki (part of Tu’anuku village).
For vessel with captains that have not been to Vava’u, it is recommended that pilot board at Faihava passage between Tu’ungasika and Luafatu Island if weather permitted.
Average time from pilot boarding to berthing is 1 hour.
Additional information sources:
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
Equipment |
Available (Yes / No) |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
Container Gantries |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
Mobile Cranes |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
Reachstacker |
No |
n/a | n/a |
RoRo Tugmaster (w/ Trailer) |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
Grain Elevator w/ Bagging Machines |
No |
n/a |
n/a |
Transtrainer |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Forklifts |
Yes |
1 | 3 - 5 mt |
Container Facilities
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 (Containers per day) | n/a | n/a |
Number of Reefer Stations (connection points) | 1 | 1 |
Emergency Take-off Capacity (Give an indication) | n/a | n/a |
Off take capacity of gang shift (in Containers per shift) | n/a | n/a |
Customs Guidance
Customs are on hand for all arrivals as notified prior by TPA. They are generally efficient and effective in executing their duties. For information on Tonga Port of Nuku’alofa customs details, please see the following link:
Terminal Information
Multipurpose Terminal
There are no multipurpose terminal facilities.
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)
|
---|---|---|
Refrigerated Cargo | Nil | Nil |
General Cargo |
Nil |
Nil |
Bagged Cargo |
Nil |
Nil |
Stevedoring
One company (Gutenbeil) supplies stevedoring facilities as required. On board to dockside using ship’s crane and forklift.
Hinterland Information
There is one operator available by arrangement with PAL of stevedoring company. There is one flat bed (15 MT) and one flatbed with container side-lifter.
Port Security
Port is fenced with 24/7 gatehouse security. No history of security issues.
Security |
||
---|---|---|
ISPS Compliant (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
Level 1 = Normal, Level 2 = Heightened, Level 3 = Exceptional |
Police Boats |
1 |
|
Fire Engines |
No |