Photos by Pesi Fonua

A new landing barge that can transfer vehicles, cargo and passengers to beaches and islands that do not have wharves, was launched in Nuku'alofa on Saturday 10 July. Its operators hope that the government will support continued shipping services to the two Niuas and also to smaller outer islands.

Tofa Ramsay Shipping Co. Ltd. celebrated the launch of the “Taufale” at the Taufa'ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf, where the Prime Minister cut the ribbon before the little barge was loaded onto its operating vessel Taka ‘i Pomana. Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa then joined guests for a cruise to Pangaimotu Island, for a demonstration of how the landing barge can be lowered to sea to transfer heavy cargo.

CEO of Tofa Ramsay Shipping Co Ltd., Tunamailangi Likiliki, said the aluminium catamaran barge was designed to complement the vessel Taka 'i Pomana and its machinery

“It was built for the purpose of landing on beachheads of inhabited islands that do no yet have wharves and are not accessible by domestic ferries and larger vessels.

“The workboat (barge) has a 10-ton loading capacity and can transport passengers, vehicles and large machinery to help in the development work in the outer islands,” she said.

This was made possible by the crane on the Taka 'i Pomana “the only domestic vessel in Tonga that has a 28-ton ship crane that can load and offload fully laden 20ft and 40ft shipping containers.”

The Taufale was designed and built in Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Legacy Marine, and the design resembles a Kalia with a flat deck supported by catamaran hulls. Tuna said despite the challenges Tonga has with COVID-19 restrictions and the limited economic opportunities “we took heart and made a commitment,” she said.

The Taka 'i Pomana carrying the Taufale, leaves Nuku'alofa on Tuesday to travel to Ha'apai, Vava'u, Niuatoputapu and Niuafo‘ou.

“This will be its final voyage in the current agreement that we have with your government, which enabled us to travel to the two Niuas last November to the present time,” Tuna told the Prime Minister.

She said they remained hopeful for a government subsidy so that the work to the two Niua's may continue and possibly be extended to the smaller outer islands of Ha‘apai Veu and Vava'u Lahi.

Tuna acknowledged the support from BSP Bank, the Department of Marine and Ministry of Infrastructure in the procurement project and for technical advice.

The landing barge was named after the first 25ft wooden boat run by Tofa and Mele Ramsay 60 years ago; the company they founded is run by their grandchildren today.

- by Mary Lyn Fonua