Economic and Social Development Programme:
Support for Maritime Transport to Help Recovery from Undersea Volcanic Eruptions

The second Japanese-made tugboat, filled with Tongan dreams

The Kingdom of Tonga comprises 172 islands of various sizes in the South Pacific, and the island of Tongatapu, where its capital Nuku’alofa is located, has a vast shallow water area. Tugboats are essential for towing, guiding, and assisting large vessels at the main trading port of Nuku’alofa. The new tugboat, named Fanga ‘i Lifuka, has increased towing capacity over the existing tugboat, named Hifofua, which was built with the help of a grant from the Government of Japan in 1994, and was designed with the winch position and other details carefully considered to meet the Government of Tonga’s wishes.

Tugboat sailling (Courtesy: Odo Zosen Corporation)

Collaboration among stakeholders to bring out Tonga’s latent potential

Consultants, the supplier, the engine manufacturer, ship outfitting manufacturers, the shipyard, the inspection agency, the shipping company, and other related parties fulfilled their respective roles in the processes of bidding, contracting, keel laying, launching, sea trials, the acceptance test, sailing, training, and handover. JICS, acting as the pivotal hub for all involved, successfully advanced the procurement process with close cooperation from various stakeholders. As one of the largest Japanese-made tugboats, this vessel is expected to contribute to a significant breakthrough in Tongan maritime transport, which has been constrained by geographical conditions.

Project Overview

Procurement of a New Tugboat to Improve Maritime Transport Capacity

The procurement of a new tugboat to enhance maritime transport, which is the core infrastructure of the Kingdom of Tonga’s economy and society, will maintain and expand the country’s international trade and strengthen its connectivity with the rest of the Pacific region.

Counterpart of Agent Agreement	Ministry of Public Enterprises of the Kingdom of Tonga
End-user	Ports Authority Tonga
Grant amount	¥1,000 million
Exchange of Notes (Bilateral Agreement)	September 3, 2021