Archived Stories

24 February, 2015   Two cruise ships, berthed at the Port of Nuku’alofa’s Vuna and Queen Salote International Wharf respectively, for the day, before completing their scheduled journeys.

The luxurious MS Queen Elizabeth, carrying nearly 3000 people (1811 passengers and 983 crew members) makes its second visit to Tonga from the United Kingdom. It has traveled 9300 km from Mexico to Tonga through the US and Hawaii, prior to stopping over in Samoa and arriving in Tonga.

The other vessel, the MS Asuka II, on the other hand arrived from New Zealand, carrying over 1035 people (563 passengers, 472crew).

The growing frequency of more vessels moored at the Port of Nuku’alofa on the same day, is a result of collaborative efforts made between key stakeholders from the Ports Authority, Government and Shipping Agents, to secure a future for Tonga among the popular South Pacific cruise destinations, taken  up by Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti and Samoa.

Every year, Tonga received an average of 15 cruise visits, but the numbers is expected to rise, as the scope of cruise call had as expanded from the United States and Europe to the Asian carriers from Japan and the far China region.

Tonga's port is operating at international standard, becoming recognized widely in the Pacific for providing enhanced ports infrastructure and facilities, bringing in economic benefits to the Kingdom.

Through the Ports Authority, Tonga has participated in various events of the Cruise Shipping Miami Expo & Trade shows, a premier global event for the cruise industry. Key ports to ports service and regional cooperation with Pacific Maritime organizations has facilitated the harmonious development of the port of Nuku’alofa.

In recent months, the Ports Authority has increased safety of vessels mooring at the port with professional pilotage services, replacement of fenders and port facilities, ensuring that it remain viable and profitable for the sustainable development of the Kingdom.

ENDS

 Issued by the; Ports Authority Tonga, Nuku’alofa, TONGA. | B.O. Box 144, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga

CONTACT: Tel: (+676)23 168 |  Fax: (+676)24 267 | Visit us on our website: www.portsauthoritytonga.com