Official handover ceremony marks important milestone for Tongan infrastructure

Aerial shot of the Queen Sālote International Wharf Upgrade project underway in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

On Friday 12 July government, community, industry leaders, and guest of honour the Prime Minister of Tonga, celebrated the official handover of Phase One of the Queen Sālote International Wharf (QSIW) project.

The event was an impressive affair with distinguished speakers including:

Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni
Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua
Ports Authority Tonga, CEO, Mr Alo ki Hakau Maileseni
Free Weslyan Church of Tonga, Rev. Dr Heneli Taliai Niumeitolu
McConnell Dowell NZ and Pacific, Managing Director, Fraser Wyllie
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Pacific Department, Director General, Ms Leah Gutierrez
Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Brek Batley
Ports Authority Tonga, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa
Ministry of Infrastructure, CEO, Mr Lopeti Heimuli

Guest of honour, the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni recognised McConnell Dowell’s commitment to sustainable outcomes on the project and that the completion of the project next year would “bring Tonga many steps closer to fulfilling its economic development potential”.

“The project has made considerable efforts in building local capacity and has employed about 80% of its workforce locally, including 16 women, accounting for about 11% of the local about force.

“Experienced expatriates have also returned to Tonga to work on the project. This job upskilling aligns with the government’s strategic priority of more inclusive, sustainable, and empowering human development.

Managing Director for McConnell Dowell NZ & Pacific, Fraser Wyllie celebrated the collaboration between McConnell Dowell, Royal HaskoningDHV, the Port and other key stakeholders and the team’s enthusiasm.

We are continuing the momentum that made Phase 1 such as a success into Phase 2. Work is well underway with 12 pile casings for the deck extension already installed.”

The bunting was collectively broken to mark the official handover and guests toured a new dolphin before enjoying, tau’olunga a traditional Tongan song and dance. The event ended with closing remarks from the Tongan Port Authority Chairman, a hymn, benediction, and the Tongan national anthem.

The wharf was operational from Monday 15 July and will be able to dock and unload larger ships safely thanks to the 50m extension and new dolphins. About 85% of the kingdom’s cargo is handled via the Port so the new facilities will provide valuable additional capacity for trade.

Phase One construction highlights:

500,000 hours worked with no Lost Time Injuries or Medical Treatments
A local workforce of 137 who have completed 200 formal training courses
Demolition of the old Wharf 1 and the rebuild to a 50-year design life
Construction of three new dolphins
Laying 17,500 m² of concrete slabs (9,000 m³)
Approximately 750,000 paver blocks for a new handstand
New power distribution network, stormwater drainage, and fire protection services.
Sustainability initiatives include:
- Recycling waste concrete – crushing it to fill 9T bags for the seawall revetment.
- Recycling 10No. 20 ft containers of reinforcing steel.