Tonga’s Ministry of Transport has led a number of improvement initiatives in maritime transport safety and security. These actions follow the launch of the Transport Sector Consolidation Project (TSCP), a bilateral funded project by the World Bank and later (in 2010) the AusID.

Under the TSCP, the Tongan Government has and continues to implement infrastructure improvements and changes to reduce marine pollution. These include the upgrading of ferry wharves and ramps, shipping channels, mooring buoys, navigation aids (beacons, light, buoys and channel markers), as well as related investments.

BMT was invited by World Bank to identify the scope of works required to improve the ongoing safe operations of inter-island shipping and transportation.

BMT scope of works

BMT carried out a Needs Assessment and a related  Action Plan covering all components involved directly or indirectly with domestic shipping services in terms of:

• Processes: Ship Inspection, Cargo Operations, Passengers, Navigation, and;
• Assets: Port Facilities, Marine Facilities, and Vessels.

Services provided by BMT

• Review of Current Practice and Investments: included the description on Tonga’s current marine processes, including cargo and passengers.
• Development of Review & Gap Assessment: summary of findings from field investigations and development of gap analysis for Tonga’s maritime assets and management framework
• Delivery of Preliminary Recommendations: summary of identified needs and relevant measures
• Preliminary Action Plan: proposed practical and achievable measures to address the gaps as identified for immediate, short term and medium term implementation

Outcomes and Benefits

The safety standards for passenger vessels have been improved under an enhanced regulatory framework with the government’s Marine and Ports Division. Additionally, aids to navigation and ports-related works have been carried out to improve safety and security of seafarers.