Successful Completion of Final Survey for MV Fangaʻilifuka Post Defect Liability Period

PRESS RELEASE: Nuku’alofa, Tonga — 18 July 2025

Ports Authority Tonga (PAT) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the final inspection survey of MV Fangaʻilifuka, officially marking the end of its one-year Defect Liability Period.

The inspection was carried out this week by a visiting delegation from Japan led by Mr. Yoshio Isozaki from the Shipbuilding Research Centre of Japan and Mr. Kazuaki Harada from Kanematsu Corporation, alongside three technical experts:

• Mr. Shusaku Watanabe, ODO Shipbuilding Co. Ltd

• Two engineers from IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd, specialists in propulsion systems.

The team conducted a comprehensive onboard assessment of the MV Fangaʻilifuka, a 499-GT inter-island vessel which was commissioned by His Majesty King Tupou VI in July 2024 and handed over to PAT under a USD $10 million grant from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The survey concluded with no major defects found. A minor issue related to the vessel’s freshwater pump was identified during the inspection but was immediately rectified by the Japanese engineers. The vessel has otherwise remained in excellent operational condition throughout its first year of service.

A formal sign-off ceremony was held this morning at the PAT Head Office in Nuku’alofa. In attendance were the CEO of Ports Authority Tonga, Mr. ʻAlo ki hakau Maileseni; General Manager – Marine Services & Port Master, Captain Hakaumotu Fakapelea; the Japanese technical team; and senior members of PAT.

According to the CEO, Mr. ʻAlo Maileseni, the MV Fangaʻilifuka has significantly contributed to PAT’s core objectives of enhancing operational efficiency, boosting productivity, and ensuring the delivery of quality and safe services to customers—particularly in the outer islands.

On behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Management, and Staff of Ports Authority Tonga, we would like to once again express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued support and commitment to improving maritime transport in the Kingdom.

The final components of this generous grant are scheduled to arrive in Tonga next month, including a mooring boat, diver suits, an underwater camera, and a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system to enhance PAT’s capability to monitor and manage vessel movements within Tongan waters—further reinforcing maritime safety, environmental protection, and efficient port operations.

For further information, please contact:
Ports Authority Tonga
Phone: +676 23-168 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.portsauthoritytonga.com