Project for Construction of the Inter-Islands Vessel

OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT

In Tonga, whose islands extend about 600 km from north to south, transport between the capital and the island groups was provided by the government ferry Olovaha. Built in 1981, the vessel had reached 26 years of age, and aging caused frequent breakdowns and rising repair costs, making safe and stable operation difficult. It was also forced to carry loads beyond its load line to meet transport demand. The government of Tonga identified the replacement of the vessel as a priority in its national development plan and requested a new vessel from Japan. This project provided a new inter-island vessel and cargo handling equipment such as containers, aiming to improve the safety of maritime transport, a lifeline for the outer islands.