Nui Island Enhances Maritime Infrastructure with New Boat Harbor

Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Asian Development Bank

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and the Government of Australia, has handed over the newly developed Nui Island Boat Harbor to the Government of Tuvalu. This development is part of ADB’s Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project aimed at supporting transport, fishery, and tourism sectors in Tuvalu. The project, which aims to construct small-scale maritime ports, is funded through a $63.72 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, supplemented by contributions from the Australian government and Tuvalu, bringing the total to $86.42 million. The project’s significance lies in its potential to enhance community safety, increase efficiency for local watercraft operations, and provide economic opportunities, particularly benefiting communities on Tuvalu’s outer islands. A celebratory ceremony was held on June 15, 2024, marking the occasion as a step towards transformative infrastructure development in the South Pacific. Project participants emphasized the critical nature of such infrastructure for regional prosperity and security.

Sectors

Infrastructure Development
Maritime and Port Operations
Development Finance

Geography

Tuvalu – The project is geographically centered in Tuvalu, where the Nui Island Boat Harbor is located, demonstrating direct investment and development within this small island nation.
Australia – Australia is a key partner in the project, providing financial resources and strategic collaboration through its government and infrastructure financing facility.

Industry

Infrastructure Development – The article discusses the development of maritime infrastructure in Tuvalu, which is a core aspect of infrastructure development, focusing on enhancing transport, safety, and economic opportunities.
Maritime and Port Operations – The construction of small-scale maritime ports and boat harbors addresses issues relevant to maritime and port operations, such as safety, efficiency, and support for local economies.
Development Finance – The funding and financial support from ADB and other entities classify the article under development finance, which involves financial structuring for developmental projects.

Financials

$63.72 million – Funding from the Asian Development Fund for the project.
$15 million – Contribution from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
$0.5 million – Financial support from the Global Environment Facility's Least Development Fund.
$7.2 million – Financial contribution from the Government of Tuvalu.
$86.42 million – Total project cost for the Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project.

Participants

Name	Role	Type	Description
Asian Development Bank	Developer and Main Financier	Company	ADB is the main organizer and financier of the Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project, providing substantial funding and developmental support.
Government of Australia	Co-Financier	Government	The Australian Government, through its Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, provides additional financial assistance.
Government of Tuvalu	Recipient and Co-Financier	Government	The Tuvaluan Government is the recipient of the infrastructure project and contributes to its funding.
Royal HaskoningDHV	Engineering Consultant	Company	This consultancy firm is involved in engineering aspects of the harbor construction, enhancing efficiency and operational design.
Global Environment Facility	Financial Contributor	Charity	Provides a monetary grant that supports environmentally sustainable development in the project.