Issued: 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

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

We are pleased to announce the historic arrival of the MS Queen Anne in the Kingdom of Tonga at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. The cruise ship docked alongside Vuna Wharf in Nuku'alofa, carrying a total of 3,811 individuals on board.

The MS Queen Anne is currently undertaking a 112-day round-trip Maiden World Voyage, themed "Easter." The vessel accommodates 2,607 passengers and 1,204 crew members, with the majority of passengers originating from the United Kingdom. Following its departure from Apia, Samoa, on 17 February, the ship arrived in Nuku'alofa today. The next destination will be Auckland, New Zealand, on 22 February 2025.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the PDF Shipping Agents for their exceptional coordination in facilitating this momentous visit of the MS Queen Anne to Tonga.

In celebration of its inaugural visit, local artisans, taxi services, sightseeing tour operators, and various businesses gathered at Vuna Wharf to warmly welcome the ship.

MS Queen Anne – General Characteristics:

Class and Type: Pinnacle Series 4 Cruise Ship:

• Tonnage: 113,000 GT
• Length: 322.51 m (1,058 ft 1 in)
• Beam: 35.60 m (116 ft 10 in)
• Engine: 4 × Caterpillar-MaK 12V43C engines
• Power: 2 × ABB Azipods
• Maximum Passenger Capacity: 3,000 passengers

We look forward to future opportunities to welcome such impressive vessels to our shores.

International Shipping latest schedules and local shipping agents for 19-21 February 2025.