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18 June, 2015  | HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Tuku’aho is the Guest of Honour at the dual commissioning ceremonies this afternoon, Thursday 18^th June, 2015 - of the new Pilot Boat 'UNGA at Queen Salote Wharf at 5:30pm; and of the new LED Street Lights of Vuna Wharf at 6:30pm. The Prime Minister, Hon.'Akilisi Pohiva, Ministers of the Crown, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and many distinguished guests will be present at these ceremonies.

 Ports Authority Tonga is most happy to finally have its first proper Pilot Boat, designed and equipped for working as a pilot boat. It will certainly facilitate the work of the pilots in piloting vessels and cruise ships to Queen Salote Wharf and Vuna Wharf. It was built by Blue Water Craft Boat Yard at Navua, Fiji.

 The total cost, including construction, freight to Tonga and insurance, comes up to a total cost of T$1,150,000 and all met by Ports Authority Tonga. The next price range found by Ports Authority Tonga for a pilot boat was from Sydney, Australia at the cost of T$4.8 million.

 This new pilot boat is of the length of 12.7 meters and width of 4.3 meters, with an internal engine, plus all the necessary equipments and facilities of a pilot boat.

 Vuna Wharf is now well equipped with street lights along the full length of the wharf, and ground lights along the front apron. They are of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) type, which consumes less power, much cheaper than ordinary lights by about 65%, and are environmentally friendly. These lights would facilitate night visits of cruise ships and tourists. They would also add to the beauty of Nuku'alofa. The cost of these lights come up to T$153,000 and met by Ports Authority Tonga.

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NEWS RELEASE

Date: Thursday 18th June, 2015 Contact:  Mrs. Mele Lavemaau   Human Resources Manager
               Ports Authority Tonga  Queen Salote Wharf, Nuku'alofa Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.          Telephone: 23 168