11 May 2022

Ports Authority Tonga and the Puloka Construction Ltd on the 5th of May 2022 signed a $3.2 million agreement for phase one of the works for the New Custom Inspection Warehouse Facility.

Over the years, the severe operational bottlenecks and the fundamental issues of aligning people, processes, and technology at the Port of Nuku’alofa for Customs and Quarantine inspection became an issue. One of the current operational bottlenecks is the lack of area and facility for Custom to carry out
the cargo inspection thus causing delay in cargo clearance during the peak season.

Given the obligation of Ports Authority Tonga under the Ports Authority Act to facilitate trade by providing sufficient port facilities, the Authority felt the need for the upgrade of the existing Custom warehouse and the construction of a new cargo inspection facility.

The project will provide a proper facility for efficient and effective cargo clearance at the Port of Nuku’alofa. This need also became more apparent as Tonga embarked on the war against the importation and illegal trade of illicit drugs in response to His Majesty King Tupou VI’s statement at the National Symposium on Illicit Drugs. His Majesty stated that “the Problem of illicit drugs is a national issue that requires an urgent integrated national response and government must allocate and prioritize finances towards this important endeavor as a matter of urgency”.

The project will be implemented in two phases. Some of the major components of phase one is the construction of the New Cargo Inspection Facility which will feature two office complexes for PAT and Custom officers, nine bays for dry inspection services, four bays for frozen inspection services and one bay for storage. This phase is proposed to be implement first in this financial year 2021/2022. Phase one considers the installation of CCTV cameras at the inspection area to improve the supervision of containers the installation of a Customs scanner for container inspections. This warehouse, upon completion, will be the first and only one of its kind in Tonga.

Phase two involves the Upgrade of the Existing Custom Warehouse featuring the extension of the north verandah for container devanning and cargo pick-up services, east extension for public waiting area and café and modification of warehouse interior for new offices for the Custom, Guarantee and PAT officers
to overlook the entire internal cargo sorting and processing operations. PAT hopes that the new set up will also accomplish the idea of a one stop shop for customers. This phase is to be implemented after the completion of phase one which is planned for the financial year 2022/2023.

Since this type of project does not generate any real return to the Authority, PAT sought the assistance of the Government of Tonga at its Annual General Meeting for a cost sharing arrangement on this project through dividend paid to the Shareholder.

PAT acknowledges the Architect who is also the Project Supervisor, Mr. Lisiate Tupou of Quality Design and the Authority’s Infrastructure and Technical Services Major Projects Manager, Mr. Andrew Niukapu for working collaboratively on the technical aspects and design of the project.

The agreement for the project was signed by Mr. Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Managing Director) on behalf of the Puloka Construction Ltd and Mr. ‘Alo ki Hakau Maileseni (Acting CEO) on behalf of Ports Authority Tonga in the Authority’s head office at Queen Salote Wharf.

-ENDS-

Issued by the: Ports Authority Tonga, Queen Salote Wharf, Nuku’alofa, Tel: (676) 23168, Website: www.portsauthoritytonga.com

PRESS 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.

- Ends -

Tuesday, 22^nd 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.

PRESS RELEASE
13 August, 2026

TONGA LAUNCHES IMO-COMPLIANT MARITIME SINGLE WINDOW AND INTEGRATED PORT DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Major milestone strengthens Tonga’s maritime gateway and advances digital transformation across the Pacific

Ports Authority, Tonga (PAT) officially launched its new Maritime Single Window (MSW) and integrated port digital systems on 11 August 2026, marking one of the most significant digital transformation initiatives undertaken by Ports Authority Tonga and Tonga’s maritime sector.

The launch, held under the theme “Transforming Tonga’s Maritime Gateway through Digital Innovation,” was officiated by the Honourable Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, Minister for Public Enterprises, as Guest of Honour.

The event brought together Members of the Ports Authority Tonga Board of Directors, senior Government representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, shipping lines, local ferry operators and other key maritime and port stakeholders. The High Commissioners of New Zealand, His Excellency Brody Sinclair, Her Excellency Jane Livesey, Acting High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Jesse Porter, Political & Economic Chief, US Embassy and Ms Rika Uemura, JICA Residence Representative were also among the distinguished guests, together with representatives from key Government agencies, including the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Tevita Kaitu’u Fotu, Director of Ports Authority Tonga Board, delivered the Welcome Address, while the Acting Director of Tonga’s Maritime Administration Office, Mrs. Meliame Tu’alau, delivered a Special Address, highlighting the regulatory and national importance of the initiative. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Halloween Kisina, Chief Financial Officer of Ports Authority Tonga.

The launch was also attended by the senior leadership team of Portall Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. of India, PAT’s technology partner, including Mr. Neeraj Aggarwala, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Manoranjan Gupta, Chief Product Officer; and Mr. Krrish Gopal, Director – Maritime Solutions.

PAT acknowledged Portall Infosystems for its partnership, technical expertise and commitment throughout the development and implementation of the project.

A Significant Milestone for Tonga and the Pacific

The centrepiece of the initiative is Tonga’s implementation of an IMO-compliant Maritime Single Window, providing a single electronic gateway for the submission and exchange of information required for maritime formalities.

From 1 January 2024, the use of Maritime Single Windows became mandatory for IMO Member States under the Facilitation Convention.

Based on information available to Ports Authority Tonga and its engagement with the IMO, Tonga is the first Pacific Island country to have implemented an IMO-compliant Maritime Single Window in support of the IMO FAL Convention requirements.

The achievement demonstrates that a small island developing state can adopt international maritime standards and implement sophisticated digital solutions through strong leadership, collaboration and commitment.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also recognised Tonga’s progress in developing and implementing its Maritime Single Window and encouraged Tonga to document and share its experience with other Member States.

Minister Highlights Tonga’s Achievement

As stated by the Honourable Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, during his keynote address:

“Tonga's progress in implementing the Maritime Single Window in support of the IMO requirements is an achievement of which we can be proud.

Tonga is believed to be the first Pacific Island country to reach this milestone, and the IMO has recognised our progress as remarkably rapid and a significant achievement.

For a small island developing state, this sends an important message. We may be small in population and resources, but we can be ambitious in our standards, adopt international best practice, embrace technology and develop solutions that respond to the particular circumstances of our islands while remaining connected to international systems and standards.”

The Integrated Digital Ecosystem

The initiative brings together four key systems:

• Maritime Single Window (MSW) – providing a single electronic gateway for regulatory information required by Government agencies.
• Terminal Operating System (TOS) – supporting container, cargo and terminal operations.
• Port Operating System (POS) – supporting marine services, berth allocation and day-to-day port operations.
• Port Community System (PCS) – connecting shipping lines, agents, Government agencies, importers, exporters and other members of the port community.

The value of the initiative lies not only in the individual systems, but in their integration into a single digital ecosystem that enables information to move more efficiently between Government, industry and the wider port community.

The systems are designed to reduce duplication and manual processing, improve information accuracy and visibility, strengthen coordination, support faster decision-making and enhance the efficiency and transparency of port services.

A National and Regional Investment

The successful implementation has involved collaboration between Ports Authority Tonga, Government agencies, maritime stakeholders, shipping lines, local ferry operators and Portall Infosystems. While PAT manages the Port of Nuku’alofa, the digital platform has been designed with the capacity to support activities associated with Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the Niuas, including both domestic and international operations.

The initiative also complements the recent physical modernisation of Tonga’s maritime gateway through the upgrade of the Queen Salote International Wharf, supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the RELEASE Pacific. Together, modern physical infrastructure and digital infrastructure provide Tonga with Monday, 11 November 2024 stronger foundations for a more efficient, resilient and competitive maritime gateway.

The new digital capability also provides a foundation for Tonga to explore future opportunities as shipping patterns and supply chains evolve across the Pacific, including potential opportunities in logistics, regional connectivity and transshipment, subject to further assessment and investment.

Looking Ahead

Speaking at the launch, PAT Chief Executive Officer Mr. ‘Alo-ki-hakau Maileseni said the achievement represented more than the introduction of new technology.

“Digital transformation is not simply about purchasing a system. It is about changing the way we work, improving our processes, strengthening our people and building a maritime gateway that is ready for the future.”

Mr. Maileseni said the true measure of the initiative would be the benefits experienced by the people and businesses that depend on Tonga’s maritime gateway, including faster and more predictable processes, better information, stronger coordination, greater transparency, lower administrative burdens and stronger compliance with international standards.

Ports Authority Tonga will continue to improve its systems, strengthen cybersecurity and resilience, invest in its people and enhance service delivery.

The Authority will also continue working with regional and international partners, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Pacific Community (SPC), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and Association of Pacific Ports (APP), to support knowledge-sharing and continued maritime digital transformation across the Pacific.

The launch marks an important new chapter for Tonga’s maritime gateway and reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that its maritime sector remains safe, efficient, resilient, competitive and connected.

ENDS

About Ports Authority Tonga

Ports Authority Tonga (PAT) is a public enterprise wholly owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga. PAT is responsible for the management and operation of the Port of Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s principal international maritime gateway.

PAT supports Tonga’s economic development, international trade, tourism and maritime connectivity through the provision of safe, efficient and sustainable port services.

The Authority is committed to modernising Tonga’s maritime gateway, strengthening operational efficiency, improving customer service and adopting international best practices and digital technologies to ensure that Tonga’s port services are prepared for the future.

Download the Press Release by Click on the link: RESS RELEASE: Tonga Launches IMO-Compliant Maritime Single Window and Integrated Port Digital Systems

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