Neiafu

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 120m, beam 20m and draught 7.0m.

Off Shore: Draught 7.8m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Tides

Mean spring range 1.0m; mean neap range 0.8m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The harbour is approached through either Ava Pulepulekai or Faihava and a channel which is entered between the promontory on which Talau stands, and Muitafuna.

Directions: From a position approx, 0.25nm N of Lotuma Island, the alignment (065.5°) of Kilikili Leading Beacons (white triangle, point up, red lights) (18°38.9'S 173°59.7'W) leads over the rocky bar, passing (positions relative to Talau):

N of a buoy (black can) marking the W extremity of a spit with a depth of less than 5.5m over it, extending 0.1nm W of Muitafuna (0.4nm SE), a sandy point. Then the track leads 111°, through a channel 0.05nm in width, on the alignment (291°), astern, of a pair of leading beacons (front, white triangle, black stripe, rear white triangle, black borders on 2 upper sides, 5.5m in length) (0.15nm SE of Talau), passing N of a buoy (black conical) marking the extremity of a spit with a depth of 5.5m over it, extending 0.15nm NE from Muitafuna Point, and:

S of Kilikili Point which is steep to outside a distance of approx 0.025nm. Then the track leads towards the wharf.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None at present.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: A good and well sheltered anchorage with approx 0.35nm of swinging room can be obtained as convenient off Lotuma Island (18°39.6'S 174°00.8'W) in depths of approx 55m. Anchorage in a depth of 33m can be obtained approx 0.15nm S of Neiafu Wharf.

Anchorage may be obtained 0.125nm S of Queen Halaevalu Terminal, in a depth of 33m.

Restrictions

Port Control will issue any restrictions, on arrival. Berthing and unberthing permitted at night.

Tugs

There are no tugs available, but arrangements can be made prior to arrival, by special request.

Mooring

Contact Port Control on VHF Ch 16 for a Berth Permit. Vessel's agent will also confirm the Berth Permit, prior to arrival, from Port Control, to commercial vessels.

Charts and publications

BA 3097, NZ 8234, 8235. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 72, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival. Vessels which are represented by an agent must notify the Port Authorities of their ETA, other vessels must contact Customs Office on arrival at Vavau.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16, 20 and 14.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Cargo documentation must be declared during vessel clearance, by Port Authorities and Customs/Quarantine.

Health

International Health Certificate required, with a copy sent to vessel's agent, especially for cruise vessels.

Vessels which carry any infectious diseases will not be permitted to enter the port, except in an emergency.

Customs and immigration

Customs shed on the wharf, Tel: +676 70053.

Immigration, Tel: +676 70071.

Flags

The Tongan flag must be displayed when entering Tongan waters.

"Q" flag must be displayed until the vessel has been cleared by Port Control.

Notices and regulations

Will be supplied upon arrival by a port official or by the vessel's agent.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Marine and Ports.

Position: Head of Department and Registrar of Ships.

Address: PO box 397, Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Tel: +676 26233

Fax: +676 26234

Mob: +676 878 6558

Email: [email protected]

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

There are no repair facilities available for large vessels.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available, by arrangement.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Available, by arrangement.

Crew change

Possible, on arrival or prior to arrival by arrangement with vessel's agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Lupepau'u (8km).

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0830-1230hrs, 1330-1630hrs.

Where it is

Port of Neiafu is located in the Vava'u Group, the second largest group of islands in Tonga, situated in the SW Pacific Ocean.

The port

Queen Halaevalu Terminal is the main activity centre of the port, handling passengers and domestic and international cargo. There is also a safe anchorage for large cruise liners that cannot reach the wharf.

The harbour is capable of handling all types of vessels including tankers, container carriers, general cargo and cruise liners. The principal exports are copra and bananas.

What are the pilot arrangements at Neiafu?

Available by arrangement, pilotage fee compulsory.

What time zone is Neiafu in?

Local time at Neiafu is UTC+13. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Neiafu?

The deepest berth listed is at Pacific Energy Terminal: 7.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Neiafu?

1025.

Which load line zone is Neiafu in?

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Neiafu?

The UN/LOCODE of Neiafu is TONEI.

What crews who called at Neiafu say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

Read and add tips for Neiafu →