With maritime transport vital to Tuvalu's economy, the AIFFP partnered with the Asian Development Bank and Government of Tuvalu to improve harbours on Nui and Niutao outer islands.

Nui and Niutao are two of Tuvalu’s outer islands.

Enhancing boat harbours across Tuvalu

Nui and Niutao islands, Tuvalu

Completed

Type:
Maritime Investment:
AUD21.4 million Project name:
Nui and Niutao Islands Boat Harbour Development

Delivery partners

Government of Tuvalu
Asian Development Bank

We partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance the design and construction of two new boat harbours for Nui and Niutao Islands.

The AIFFP’s AUD 21.4 million contribution supported the construction of new facilities at Niutao Island and a completed new boat harbour at Nui Island.

This included upgrades to navigation channels, boat ramps, passenger terminals, cargo sheds and shoreline reclamation.

Two new harbours

on Nui and Niutao islands

The new harbours strengthen inter-island transport of food, supplies and essential services, linking Tuvalu’s capital, Funafuti, with remote island communities that depend entirely on shipments through Funafuti.

By providing vital domestic connectivity, the harbours increase the availability and reliability of transport options for Nui and Niutao, giving communities better access to markets, schools, health services, and other essential services.

This essential infrastructure also strengthens Tuvalu's resilience to climate change and delivered significant local job opportunities, including opportunities for women.

Our financing package included $21.4 million in co-financing to the Asian Development Bank.

Second AIFFP project

to be jointly co-financed with the Asian Development Bank

The project will replace boat harbours on Tuvalu's Nui and Niutao islands.

Aerial shot of Nuitao Island, Tuvalu

Tuvalu - Niutao Harbour - Group photo of VIPs on Harbour

Aerial shot of Nui Island Harbour

Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific the Hon Pat Conroy MP (right) visits Tuvalu to announce the project, August 2023.

AIFFP contribution

AUD21.4 million

	Amount (AUD million)	Amount (USD million)
Grant	$21.4	$15.0

Impact

AIFFP prioritises lasting development and economic outcomes for people and communities. AIFFP’s approach is guided by five impact areas: local content; climate resilience; social and environmental safeguards; gender equality, disability and social inclusion; and quality and integrity.

Local content

The construction and operation of the new harbours created employment opportunities as well as income generation through sales of goods and services, with a target of at least 10 per cent of women in construction roles.

Climate resilience

With Tuvalu vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the design and construction of the harbours and landside facilities considered mitigation and adaptations measures for the projected rise in the mean sea level, effect of cyclones, coastal erosion and change in longshore sand movement.

Gender equality, disability and social inclusion

The works included accessibility and safety improvement measures such as separate disability access toilets for men and women, 24-hour solar lighting, guard rails and signage on the jetties.

Downloadable project files

Business case

Factsheet