Australia joined the Government of Tuvalu and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to celebrate the completion of the Nui and Niutao Islands Boat Harbour Development project – a major upgrade to Tuvalu’s maritime infrastructure.
Through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), Australia contributed AUD 21.4 million (USD 15 million) to support the design and construction of two new boat harbours, improving the availability and reliability of inter-island travel for passengers and cargo
The milestone was marked by the opening of the Niutao Boat Harbour, attended by Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Teo, Australia’s High Commissioner David Charlton, Principal Operations Specialist of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office, Jonathan Pryke and other dignitaries.
Maritime transport is the lifeline of Tuvalu, connecting nine islands across an exclusive economic zone of nearly 750,000 km2. These new harbours replace hazardous surf landings with safe, protected gateways, ensuring families have reliable access to fresh food, essential supplies, and vital services.
On Niutao Island, the project involved dredging a sea-access channel and basin, and constructing a new wharf and passenger terminal.
On Nui Island, upgrades included a modern boat ramp, cargo shed and passenger terminal, improvements that make inter-island travel safer and more dependable.
Both harbours feature climate-smart design to withstand rising seas and extreme weather, keeping communities connected, even as climate challenges intensify. They also include improvements such as lighting, guard rails, and ramps, making travel safer and more accessible for women, children, older passengers, and people with disability.
This project underscores Australia’s enduring commitment under the Falepili Union, working in partnership with Tuvalu, and the broader Pacific family, to build secure, sustainable, and resilient futures.