| Project Detail |
The project will replace the existing passenger and cargo ship Manu Folau, which is in an unserviceable state, with a reliable and safe ship. It will (i) help ensure safe and efficient transfer of people and goods; (ii) promote economic development, including through increased intra-regional cross-border trade; and (iii) help improve peoples livelihoods in the outer islands of Tuvalu, its capital, and neighboring countries (Fiji and Kiribati). The project will also rehabilitate port auxiliary infrastructure (fenders) and build the operation and maintenance capacity of the Ministry of Transport, Energy and Tourism to ensure the sustainability of the investment.
Project Name Strengthening Domestic Shipping Project
Project Number 54463-001
Country / Economy Tuvalu
Project Status Approved
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 0849-TUV: Strengthening Domestic Shipping Project
Asian Development Fund US$ 30.00 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Sector / Subsector
Agriculture, natural resources and rural development / Rural market infrastructure
Transport / Water transport (non-urban)
Gender Equity and Mainstreaming Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The project will replace the existing passenger and cargo ship Manu Folau, which is in an unserviceable state, with a reliable and safe ship. It will (i) help ensure safe and efficient transfer of people and goods; (ii) promote economic development, including through increased intra-regional cross-border trade; and (iii) help improve peoples livelihoods in the outer islands of Tuvalu, its capital, and neighboring countries (Fiji and Kiribati). The project will also rehabilitate port auxiliary infrastructure (fenders) and build the operation and maintenance capacity of the Ministry of Transport, Energy and Tourism to ensure the sustainability of the investment.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
Tuvalu is categorized a fragile and conflict-affected situation and is one of the smallest and most remote Asian Development Bank (ADB) member countries. The country is home to 10,679 people. Tuvalu is more than 1,100 kilometers from Fiji. About 60% of the population is based in Funafuti (the capital), with the remainder spread among eight outer islands. Given its small land mass, archipelagic nature, and dispersed geography of distant atolls and the distance between them and key markets, the countrys economy and people primarily rely on the sea and maritime transport to trade and access goods and essential services.
The only means of transport between Funafuti and the outer islands is by sea. The nearest island is 64 nautical miles from Funafuti while the farthest is 247 nautical miles away. Such distances are significant in terms of the type of ships needed to operate safely in the open ocean conditions that prevail in these latitudes, with long durations of voyages (up to several days) and high operating costs. The impacts of climate change affect ship operations in terms of adaptation, as rising sea levels limit the ability of passengers and cargo to access ships; and mitigation, given the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through lower ship emissions. Disasters triggered by natural hazards also affect shipping safety, as hostile conditions (high winds and large waves) cause safety issues for passengers and maritime structures.
Impact
Safe and efficient maritime transportation that helps increase climate and disaster resilience promoted
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome
Connectivity of Tuvalus outer islands and intra-regional locations improved
Progress Toward Outcome
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs
Existing passenger and cargo ship replaced
Port auxiliary infrastructure (fenders) rehabilitated
Operation and maintenance capacity strengthened |
