The first steel piles have been installed for the Queen Salote International Wharf 2 extension, taking shape in Nuku'alofa, in a multi-million re-development project scheduled for completion in 2025.

“A major milestone has been reached”, stated the Ministry of Infrastructure today.

The steel piles installed by McConnell Dowell, the managing contractor, are the first of 67 piles to be installed to allow the 40m extension to be built.

“Overseen by RHDHV, the design consultant, these 28m long steel piles are driven into the limestone shelf, which will allow the precast elements to be placed on top and when finished will provide a stable platform, supported over the harbour to allow containers to be loaded and unloaded,” they stated.

McConnell Dowell have also started the refurbishment of Wharf 1 along with the repair of the eastern revetment.

“The project so far has employed 65 local tradespeople / labour to undertake much of the work on site including demolition, establishing a suitable concrete batching plant and creating a precast concrete manufacturing facility to construct off the larger concrete drainage pits in the project.

“These are valuable skills which increase the knowledge of local population that can be transferred onto other projects.”

They said upon completion of the project, Wharf 1, will again be operational.

“Wharf 2 length will be increased to 150m, allowing ships up to 220m long to berth and unload, which will vastly improve the efficiency of the port.”