Inter-island cargo operator frustrated with high wharf fees [1]
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 - 23:15. Updated on Sunday, April 20, 2014 - 12:45.
Sefo Nginingini, a Tongan Master Shipman who chartered a 43m cargo vessel, the MV Sitka and came to Tonga in March to help provide an inter islands ferry service following the sinking of the Princess Ashika, is fighting an up-hill battle to keep the service running.
Sefo said that since he began his operation in March, carrying cargoes only between Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u it had became financially very difficult to keep the service running.
He has identified three problem areas, including what he said was the high monthly wharf fees of $8,000 charged by the Ports Authority for his ship berthing at Nuku'alofa. He said he was aware that there is a cargo ship running a direct international cargo service to Vava'u and Ha'apai, which was paying only $100 a month to go into the harbours.
"I understand that government allowed these services to take place, when the Ashika and the MV Pulupaki were out of service, but they really should have another look at it."
On top of this he said the current economic depression meant there was very little cargo being transported between the Tongan islands groups.
Sefo said that ever since his service started they had never carried a full load of 200 tonnes. "We never carry more than 150 tonnes of cargo. Most of our clients are either Chinese or Indians who send food products to their shops in the islands. Their cargo included frozen products, which fit in well into our 20ft refrigerator on board the vessel."
"Sometimes I just want to stop everything and return the vessel back to Australia, because how can a private company survive in Tonga with such high fees?" he said.
"My desire, however, is to help the people of Tonga and that is what keeps me from leaving. I have approached the Port Authority and asked them to review the fees, but the answer is that nothing can be done because it is the law."
On the brighter side of things, Sefo remains commited to providing his service and is looking forward to a one off trip to Niuatoputapu to transport building supplies soon for JICA.
South Seas was issued a Coastal Licence valid for one year in Tonga.