Ports Authority Tonga Annual General Meeting 2020
ExpiredTuesday, 22nd of February, 2021 | Nuku’alofa, St George Building, PAT held its 2020 Annual General Meeting with the sole shareholder of the Authority, the Government of Tonga. Representing the Shareholder to the Meeting was the Honorable Minister of Public Enterprises and Prime Minister of Tonga - Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tui’onetoa along with his CEO - Mr. Sione ‘Akauola and Deputy CEO (Monitoring and Compliance Division) Mrs. Falahola Naidu. This is the Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended 30 th June 2020 that was deferred from last year.
The Chairman of the Shared Transport Sector Board of Directors, Mr. Daniel Kimball Fale welcomed Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa to Ports Authority Tonga’s (PAT) Annual General Meeting at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning conference room, level 2 St George Building, Nuku’alofa.
During the Meeting the Directors declared and paid to the Shareholder a total of $1,541,445 as dividend. The dividend paid is equivalent to 75% of PAT Net Profit After Tax of $2,055,260 for the financial year ended 30 th June 2020. In this regard, PAT maintained the same percentage of dividend paid last year which was 75% of the Authority’s NPAT.
It was noted during the meeting that PAT’s performance for FY 2019/20 was significantly affected by COVID-19, the cargo throughput dropped by 12% while number of ships called went down by 14% which contributed to the 10% reduction in total income from $13.4 million to $12.1 million.
Expenditure on the other hand increased by 4% which was mainly attributed to an increase in Depreciation cost as a result of the new CAPEX investment during the year and Finance cost. As a result, the Authority’s NPAT decreased by 38% from $3.3 million of the previous year to $2.1 million. For the first time in the last five years return on equity was below the 10% required rate of return set by the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
Despite the challenges of Covid 19, PAT still maintained a strong financial position at year end with a Net Cash flow from Operating Activities of more than $4.3 million and Gearing ratio of 20% meaning PAT is still having room for more debt to fund its infrastructure development. The period was notable for the level of CAPEX investment completed during the year despite the adverse effects of COVID-19 over its cash flow position. The total CAPEX for the year was $4.6 million which is the second highest CAPEX over the last five years.
This includes the acquisition of the new working barge from Australia. The project was $1.5 million and was funded from PAT’s cash flow and secured bank loan. The dry dock of the MV Tugboat Hifofua in Fiji was also funded from PAT’s cash flow at a total of $1.2 million. In addition, PAT completed the upgrade of the slipway with a total cost of $626,539 to be able to slip and repair the boats and vessels in Tonga. These amongst other capital projects such as the tar sealing of the new domestic wharf car park, fencing replacement for the Queen Salote International Wharf, cargo shed upgrade and the acquisition of the online e-procurement software was completed during the 2019/20 financial year.
ENDS
Issued by: Ports Authority Tonga.
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Government Grant to support funding the construction of the Nomuka and ‘Uiha Wharves.
ExpiredPRESS RELEASE
Issued on: Wednesday, 8th September 2021.
Prime Minister and Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and Chairman of the Transport Sector Board of Directors Mr. Daniel Kimball Fale. 8th September 2021.
On 8th September 2021, a Handover Ceremony for the Grant Assistance from the Government of Tonga to Ports Authority Tonga was held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Nuku’alofa.
The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Rev Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, handed over the grant of TOP$1,541,445 million pa’anga to the Chairman of the Transport Sector Board of Directors, Mr. Daniel Kimball Fale. This grant is equivalent to the Ports Authority Tonga’s declared and paid dividend to the Government.
The purpose of the grant is to contribute to the material, equipment and capital goods costs for the implementation and construction of the Prime Minister’s Small Islands Wharves Project for Nomuka and ‘Uiha Islands.
Chairman Fale thanked the Government of Tonga for the grant assistance. He said, “this is the first time for a major project such as this, to be executed in this way. This is the Government’s project which is implemented via Ports Authority Tonga as one of its Public Enterprise entities. The said project includes community involvement and funding from the island communities”. He added that one of the reason as to why this projected is implemented through Public Enterprise partnership is due to the experience and expertise of the Authority to successfully complete the project. Secondly, there are resources and equipment available at Ports Authority to assist with implementation of the project”.
In delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Nomuka Community Wharf Committee, Rev. Dr. Feke Mafi said, “this project for the people of Nomuka began with a dream. In previous years, there were risks related to offloading cargoes and people at Nomuka’s wharf, as this operation was done in the deep sea either in the early mornings or late at night. Today we are close to seeing this project come to life, with the hope to provide safer wharves for the people of Nomuka and ‘Uiha”.
“The due processes for this project have been documented, submitted to and approved by Cabinet”, said Chairman Fale.
Ports Authority Tonga is the implementing agency in the said project, and will work in partnership with the Government.
Also present at the handover ceremony were Mr. Edgar Cocker, the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Governor of Ha’apai Hon. Manu’opangai Hingano, Chairlady of the ‘Uiha Wharf Committee Rev. Tutaleva Lolohea, the ACEO for the Ports Authority Tonga, Mr. Alo Maileseni, Ms. Falahola Naidu the Deputy CEO from the Ministry of Public Enterprises, Mr. Iketau Kaufusi, Technical Manager for Ports Authority’s Infrastructure and Technical Services Division, and members from the Nomuka and ‘Uiha Wharves Committees.
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Successful Completion of Final Survey for MV Fangaʻilifuka Post Defect Liability Period
ExpiredPRESS 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
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Ports Authority Tonga Invests in New Street Sweeper to Support Green Ports Initiatives
ExpiredIssued: 3rd September 2025 - Ports Authority Tonga (PAT) has taken another significant step forward in its Green Ports initiatives with the procurement of a new Dulevo 850 Environmental Sweeper from NZ Supplies Ltd, at a total investment of TOP $223,366.21 under PAT’s FY2024/25 Capital Expenditure program. The new sweeper will be used to maintain cleanliness and environmental standards across PAT’s operational areas, particularly at the Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf (TTIVDW) and the Queen Salote International Wharf (QSIW) following recent upgrades.
Although diesel-powered, the Dulevo 850 EU6 – Tier 4 model is fully compliant with the latest Euro 6 (European) and Tier 4 (U.S.) emission standards. These standards are designed to minimize harmful nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), particulate matter (PM), and other emissions, while also meeting legislative requirements for gaseous and noise emissions. This makes the sweeper environmentally safe and consistent with PAT’s sustainability goals.
As part of the supply contract, onsite training was delivered by two technical experts from NZ Supplies Ltd, who visited Tonga last week to conduct a four-day program (Tuesday–Friday) for both PAT operators and mechanics.
On 1 September 2025, PAT officially commissioned the new sweeper. The occasion was marked with a blessing ceremony conducted by Father ‘Epeli Manisela of the Catholic Church of Ma’ufanga, who prayed for the safe use of the equipment and those who will operate and maintain it.
The event was attended by PAT’s Executive Management- ‘Alo Maileseni, Halloween Kisina and Mele Lavemaau, including the GM Administration- Lu’isa Lapao’o and the Manager Operations – International Wharf- Finau Mohu, who was also trained as an operator.
Chief Executive Officer of PAT, Mr. ‘Alo-ki-hakau Maileseni, stated:
“This investment demonstrates PAT’s ongoing commitment to modernizing our port facilities while upholding our Green Ports initiatives. The new sweeper will not only enhance cleanliness and safety at our wharves but also ensure compliance with strict international environmental standards.”
This investment was fully funded from PAT’s own cash flow, reaffirming the Authority’s financial strength and commitment to sustainable development.
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
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