Tonga Launches IMO-Compliant Maritime Single Window and Integrated Port Digital Systems

PRESS RELEASE
13 August, 2026

TONGA LAUNCHES IMO-COMPLIANT MARITIME SINGLE WINDOW AND INTEGRATED PORT DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Major milestone strengthens Tonga’s maritime gateway and advances digital transformation across the Pacific

Ports Authority, Tonga (PAT) officially launched its new Maritime Single Window (MSW) and integrated port digital systems on 11 August 2026, marking one of the most significant digital transformation initiatives undertaken by Ports Authority Tonga and Tonga’s maritime sector.

The launch, held under the theme “Transforming Tonga’s Maritime Gateway through Digital Innovation,” was officiated by the Honourable Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, Minister for Public Enterprises, as Guest of Honour.

The event brought together Members of the Ports Authority Tonga Board of Directors, senior Government representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, shipping lines, local ferry operators and other key maritime and port stakeholders. The High Commissioners of New Zealand, His Excellency Brody Sinclair, Her Excellency Jane Livesey, Acting High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Jesse Porter, Political & Economic Chief, US Embassy and Ms Rika Uemura, JICA Residence Representative were also among the distinguished guests, together with representatives from key Government agencies, including the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Tevita Kaitu’u Fotu, Director of Ports Authority Tonga Board, delivered the Welcome Address, while the Acting Director of Tonga’s Maritime Administration Office, Mrs. Meliame Tu’alau, delivered a Special Address, highlighting the regulatory and national importance of the initiative. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Halloween Kisina, Chief Financial Officer of Ports Authority Tonga.

The launch was also attended by the senior leadership team of Portall Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. of India, PAT’s technology partner, including Mr. Neeraj Aggarwala, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Manoranjan Gupta, Chief Product Officer; and Mr. Krrish Gopal, Director – Maritime Solutions.

PAT acknowledged Portall Infosystems for its partnership, technical expertise and commitment throughout the development and implementation of the project.

A Significant Milestone for Tonga and the Pacific

The centrepiece of the initiative is Tonga’s implementation of an IMO-compliant Maritime Single Window, providing a single electronic gateway for the submission and exchange of information required for maritime formalities.

From 1 January 2024, the use of Maritime Single Windows became mandatory for IMO Member States under the Facilitation Convention.

Based on information available to Ports Authority Tonga and its engagement with the IMO, Tonga is the first Pacific Island country to have implemented an IMO-compliant Maritime Single Window in support of the IMO FAL Convention requirements.

The achievement demonstrates that a small island developing state can adopt international maritime standards and implement sophisticated digital solutions through strong leadership, collaboration and commitment.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also recognised Tonga’s progress in developing and implementing its Maritime Single Window and encouraged Tonga to document and share its experience with other Member States.

Minister Highlights Tonga’s Achievement

As stated by the Honourable Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, during his keynote address:

“Tonga's progress in implementing the Maritime Single Window in support of the IMO requirements is an achievement of which we can be proud.

Tonga is believed to be the first Pacific Island country to reach this milestone, and the IMO has recognised our progress as remarkably rapid and a significant achievement.

For a small island developing state, this sends an important message. We may be small in population and resources, but we can be ambitious in our standards, adopt international best practice, embrace technology and develop solutions that respond to the particular circumstances of our islands while remaining connected to international systems and standards.”

The Integrated Digital Ecosystem

The initiative brings together four key systems:

• Maritime Single Window (MSW) – providing a single electronic gateway for regulatory information required by Government agencies.
• Terminal Operating System (TOS) – supporting container, cargo and terminal operations.
• Port Operating System (POS) – supporting marine services, berth allocation and day-to-day port operations.
• Port Community System (PCS) – connecting shipping lines, agents, Government agencies, importers, exporters and other members of the port community.

The value of the initiative lies not only in the individual systems, but in their integration into a single digital ecosystem that enables information to move more efficiently between Government, industry and the wider port community.

The systems are designed to reduce duplication and manual processing, improve information accuracy and visibility, strengthen coordination, support faster decision-making and enhance the efficiency and transparency of port services.

A National and Regional Investment

The successful implementation has involved collaboration between Ports Authority Tonga, Government agencies, maritime stakeholders, shipping lines, local ferry operators and Portall Infosystems. While PAT manages the Port of Nuku’alofa, the digital platform has been designed with the capacity to support activities associated with Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the Niuas, including both domestic and international operations.

The initiative also complements the recent physical modernisation of Tonga’s maritime gateway through the upgrade of the Queen Salote International Wharf, supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the RELEASE Pacific. Together, modern physical infrastructure and digital infrastructure provide Tonga with Monday, 11 November 2024 stronger foundations for a more efficient, resilient and competitive maritime gateway.

The new digital capability also provides a foundation for Tonga to explore future opportunities as shipping patterns and supply chains evolve across the Pacific, including potential opportunities in logistics, regional connectivity and transshipment, subject to further assessment and investment.

Looking Ahead

Speaking at the launch, PAT Chief Executive Officer Mr. ‘Alo-ki-hakau Maileseni said the achievement represented more than the introduction of new technology.

“Digital transformation is not simply about purchasing a system. It is about changing the way we work, improving our processes, strengthening our people and building a maritime gateway that is ready for the future.”

Mr. Maileseni said the true measure of the initiative would be the benefits experienced by the people and businesses that depend on Tonga’s maritime gateway, including faster and more predictable processes, better information, stronger coordination, greater transparency, lower administrative burdens and stronger compliance with international standards.

Ports Authority Tonga will continue to improve its systems, strengthen cybersecurity and resilience, invest in its people and enhance service delivery.

The Authority will also continue working with regional and international partners, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Pacific Community (SPC), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and Association of Pacific Ports (APP), to support knowledge-sharing and continued maritime digital transformation across the Pacific.

The launch marks an important new chapter for Tonga’s maritime gateway and reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that its maritime sector remains safe, efficient, resilient, competitive and connected.

ENDS

About Ports Authority Tonga

Ports Authority Tonga (PAT) is a public enterprise wholly owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga. PAT is responsible for the management and operation of the Port of Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s principal international maritime gateway.

PAT supports Tonga’s economic development, international trade, tourism and maritime connectivity through the provision of safe, efficient and sustainable port services.

The Authority is committed to modernising Tonga’s maritime gateway, strengthening operational efficiency, improving customer service and adopting international best practices and digital technologies to ensure that Tonga’s port services are prepared for the future.

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