Archived Stories

08 April, 2014

 Capt. Hakau Motu Fakapelea aged 50 residing in Vaini, Tongatapu has been appointed as Port Master in the Port Operation Division, of the Ports Authority Tonga effective from the 28th of April 2014. The post of Port Master, an executive position in the Authority’s corporate structure has been vacant since 2011.

Prior to taking up this new role, Capt. Fakapelea has worked for over six years in the Economic Development Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji. During his tenure at SPC, he was the Regional Maritime Port Security Officer under the Transport Programme from 2008 to 2012; then appointed to the position of Maritime Security Adviser until early April 2014 before joining the Authority.

Under his belt, Capt. Fakapelea holds a Master of Foreign Going Ship with Honour from the New Zealand Maritime School and a graduate diploma in Public Sector Management from Massey University in New Zealand. Over the course of his career, Capt. Fakapelea has attained a pilot license for the Port of Auckland and Port Yamba in Australia. He also holds an unlimited Pilot license for all ports in Tonga.

In his new role, Capt. Fakapelea will oversee the Marine Division of the Authority, Wharf Operation and Ports Security.  

Speaking about his new role, Captain Fakapelea said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Port Master and looking forward to work closely with my colleagues, customers and all stakeholders within the Ports of Nuku’alofa.”

“It is an exciting time for Ports Authority Tonga with its ambitious plans for the development of the port of Nuku’alofa. These plans will consolidate Tonga as a key seaport in the Pacific enabling the port to strengthen its position in the regional and global trade,” added the new Ports Master Captain Fakapelea.

The Board and Management are pleased to welcome the Captain on board along with his wealth of experiences in the regional arena would be an asset to the Executive team and the organisation as a whole.

Capt. Fakapelea may be new to some of his colleagues at the Authority but not the culture and environment as he was employed as a pilot in the Authority from 1999 to 2003.

END.

Issued by the:  Ports Authority Tonga | Tel: (676) 23168 | Fax: (676) 24-267 | URL: www.portsauthoritytonga.com