Japan donates new tugboat to Tonga, strengthening maritime capacity

H.E. Mr. Inagaki Hisao, Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, handed over the new tugboat, MV Fanga ‘I Lifuka, to the people of Tonga, with His Majesty King Tupou VI in attendance. The Ambassador emphasized the enduring friendship between Japan and Tonga, rooted in the warm relations between the Imperial Household of Japan and the Tonga’s Royal Family.

The tugboat, named “Fanga-‘I-Lifuka” by King Tupou VI, is a significant addition to Tonga’s maritime fleet. Five Japanese engineers are currently in Tonga to provide operation training to the Ports Authority staff. The MV Fanga ‘I Lifuka, funded under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) program, is valued at 1 billion Japanese Yen (15 million Tongan Pa’anga). This is the largest amount Japan has ever provided for an NPGA project, highlighting the importance Japan places on enhancing Tonga’s maritime capacity.

With 4,500 horsepower and twin propellers, the “Fanga-‘I-Lifuka” is now the largest tugboat in Ports Authority Tonga’s fleet, replacing a previous Japanese-donated tugboat from 1994. The new vessel’s name honours the original MV Fanga ‘I Lifuka, which made its final voyage in 1961, and recalls Lifuka, the island where Captain James Cook named Tonga the “Friendly Islands.”

Given that 98% of Tonga’s goods are transported via maritime routes, this new tugboat is vital for the country.

The event follows the recent 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Japan, attended by a Tongan delegation led by Prime Minister Sovaleni.

Read more:                   TUGBOAT Fanga’ilifuka Press Release