Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Kingdom of Tonga is modernizing and expanding the Queen Salote International Wharf (QSIW) at Nuku’alofa Port, which handles 98% of the nation’s imports.
The project includes reconstructing Wharf 1, extending Wharf 2 by 50 meters with a new pile deck, and adding three new dolphins. This critical upgrade will improve the port’s capacity and resilience against cyclones and climate change; upon completion, the port will accommodate larger vessels and meet the region’s needs for the next 20 years.
The complexity of the fender system design for this project, stemming from the need to coordinate work across various areas such as wharfs and dolphins, was met by SFT’s in-house engineering team, who designed a customized solution consisting of:
- 31 SD Fenders (250x1500 mm)
- 14 Cone Fender Systems (SPC 1100, G2.2)
- 12 sets of SX-P Fender Systems (600x3000 mm).
Additionally, we supplied 12 Rubber Ladders in various sizes, one 5-meter stainless steel Ladder, and 10 Bollards in Horn and Pipe designs with various load capacities, all to support both refurbishment and new construction.
For McConnell Dowell, prioritizing partnerships with companies that have expertise in the Pacific region is key. Therefore, they selected SFT and engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV for delivering one of the most durable and sustainable fender systems in the Pacific. To ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance, all components, except for the panels, were fabricated from stainless steel SS316L, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and suitability for harsh marine environments.
Furthermore, each wharf and breasting dolphin required carefully customized fender design to ensure optimal performance. Our in-house engineering team’s approach, ensured that every component was meticulously designed to contribute to the long service life of the installation, reinforcing the project’s resilience against the Pacific’s demanding conditions.
As a member of the PIANC WG240 “Ports in Small Island Countries,” ShibataFenderTeam is proud to have contributed to the development of Queen Salote International Wharf. This modernization aligns with the WG240’s objectives of promoting best practices in port planning, design, and construction, as well as enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental safeguards in small island ports.
