With maritime transport vital to Tuvalu's economy, the AIFFP is working with the Asian Development Bank and Government of Tuvalu to improve harbours on Nui and Niutao outer islands.

Nui and Niutao are two of Tuvalu’s outer islands.

Enhancing boat harbours across Tuvalu

Nui and Niutao islands, Tuvalu

Signed and Announced

Type:
Maritime Investment:
AUD21.4 million

Delivery partners

Government of Tuvalu
Asian Development Bank

We’re working with the Asian Development Bank to support upgrades to two of Tuvalu's critical boat harbours.

The project is constructing new facilities at Niutao Island and has completed works at Nui Island. The upgrades include navigation channels, boat ramps, passenger terminals, cargo sheds and shoreline reclamation.

Upgrades to two

of Tuvalu's critical boat harbours

The works include accessibility and safety improvement measures such as separate disability access toilets for men and women, 24-hour solar lighting, guard rails and signage on the jetties.

The upgrades bolster connectivity for passengers and cargo travelling between Tuvalu’s capital and the outer islands of Nui and Niutao.

Tuvalu's Nui Harbour Opens with Climate Resilient Upgrades

This essential infrastructure also strengthen Tuvalu's resilience to climate change and deliver significant local job opportunities, including opportunities for women.

Our financing package includes $21.4 million in co-financing to the Asian Development Bank.

Second AIFFP project

to be jointly co-financed with the Asian Development Bank

The project will upgrade boat harbours on Tuvalu's Nui and Niutao islands.

Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific the Hon Pat Conroy MP (right) visits Tuvalu to announce the project, August 2023.

AIFFP contribution

AUD21.4 million

	Amount (AUD million)	Amount (USD million)
Grant	$21.4	$15.0

Impact

Many island communities in Tuvalu are dependent on shipping for food and for access to essential services and supplies through imports and exports.

The project provides vital connectivity domestically in Tuvalu, increasing the availability and reliability of transport options for Nui and Niutao communities. Villages and households in more remote communities will have improved access to markets and services, schools and health services.

The construction and operation of the new harbour will create employment opportunities as well as income generation through sales of goods and services, with the project having a target of at least 10 per cent of women in construction roles.

With Tuvalu vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the design and construction of the harbours and landside facilities considers mitigation and adaptations measures for the projected rise in the mean sea level, effect of cyclones, coastal erosion and change in longshore sand movement.

Downloadable project files

Business case

Factsheet