His Majesty, King Tupou VI recently opened the upgraded Nuku’alofa International Port, better connecting Tonga’s main trade gateway to the rest of the world.
The Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project was funded by the Government of Australia through the AIFFP, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Government of Tonga as part of their shared commitment to rehabilitate, renew, and expand Tonga’s transport infrastructure.
Also in attendance was the the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Brek Batley, Prime Minister of Tonga Aisake Valu Eke, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Authority Tonga, Alo ki Hakau Maileseni, and ADB Director General for the Pacific Department, Emma Veve.
“Australia is proud to have worked with the Government of Tonga and the Asian Development Bank on the Queen Salote Wharf as part of our long-term commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity in Tonga,” said H.E. Batley. “We are especially proud that the project has set a high benchmark for local employment with an average of 80% local workforce participation. The wharf will ensure prosperity for communities and for generations to come. This outstanding achievement demonstrates that the Australian government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity – in Tonga and across the Pacific.”
“The upgraded, climate-proofed, Queen Salote Wharf will be a lifeline for the people of Tonga and is being delivered to high standards,” said Ms. Veve. “The modernized wharf was completed ahead of schedule, and our approach is fully aligned with the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment and the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.”
“The commissioning ceremony signifies that all marine and civil works are now complete and operational,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Authority Tonga, Alo ki Hakau Maileseni. “This transformational project has rehabilitated and expanded the Queen Salote International Wharf to increase port capacity, improve safety and efficiency, lower operational costs and ensure the port can better withstand the severe impacts of climate change.”
The civil works were delivered in two phases to allow the port to remain operational throughout. Phase 1 included the rehabilitation of Wharf 1 and the construction of berthing and mooring dolphins, in addition to the development of pavement and other facilities over the eastern half of the yard area. Wharf 1 was handed over in March 2025. Phase 2 comprised repairs to Wharves 2, 3 and 4, the extension of Wharf 2, an additional mooring dolphin, the access road overlay, and the development of pavement and services over the western half of the yard area.
Recent achievements under Phase 2 include the completion and commissioning of modernized electrical and firefighting systems and the construction of the site access road.
The Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project began in 2022, funded by an ADB US$55 million investment from the Asian Development Fund, ADB’s major source of grant financing for Tonga. The Government of Australia through their Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility contributed US$20 million. The Government of Tonga also contributed an estimated US$8.5 million in terms of taxes and duties exemptions, bringing the total cost of the project to US$83.5 million.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.