By Katalina Siasau

A new tugboat for Tonga was commissioned by HM King Tupou VI  today, 23 July, at the Taufa'ahau Domestic Wharf, Nuku'alofa. The new tugboat, named "Fanga'ilifuka" by the King, is a grant from the Government of Japan.

TB Fanga'ilifuka is the second tugboat given by Japan to Tonga. It will replace TB Hifofua provided by Japan in 1994.

Granted under Japan's Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA), TB Fanga'ilifuka is worth $1 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to $15 million pa'anga, which to date is the largest amount of funding Japan has provided for an NPGA project.

Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Inagaki Hisao, in his keynote address said, that maritime transportation is vital for island countries like Tonga and Japan. 

“According to the data, Tonga relies heavily on maritime transport for its trade in goods and services, importing approximately 98% of all goods using maritime transport. In light of this reality, it is imperative for Tonga to improve its maritime transport capabilities in order to further the Kingdom's economic prosperity.

"The people and Government of Japan hope that this project will serve Your Majesty and your people well for many years to come."

Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Public Enterprises, Samiu Vaipulu, acknowledged the grant from the Government of Japan.

"The commissioning of Fanga’ilifuka is a testament of what can be achieved when nations come together in the spirit of cooperation and friendship," he said.

There are five Japanese engineers currently in Tonga to provide operations training for staff of Ports Authority Tonga.

The Fanga'ilifuka with its 4,500 horsepower twin propellers is currently the largest tugboat that Ports Authority Tonga has in its towboat fleet.