ADB-supported Manu Sina in Tuvalu Ensures Safe and Reliable Transfer of People and Cargo

Tuvalu’s new people and cargo ship, the Manu Sina was supported with $30 million in grants from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF), and a Government of Tuvalu contribution of $3 million which funded the construction of the vessel, rehabilitation of Funafuti port and support to strengthen operations and maintenance of these assets. The ADF provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries.

The Manu Sina was designed to meet the unique needs of Tuvalu’s outer islands while meeting international standards of fuel efficiency, quality and safety. The ship will play a vital role in boosting connectivity between the outer islands, the capital, Funafuti and neighboring countries of Fiji and Kiribati, improving people’s access to economic opportunities, health clinics, markets and schools.

The vessel will be a lifeline for the people in the outer islands and will ensure safer transfer of people and goods and will boost our economy and regional trade.

The new vessel built by Honda Heavy Industries Co., Ltd in Saiki, Japan has state-of-the-art navigation systems, is wheelchair-friendly, has gender-segregated toilets and a dedicated area for women. The project is also building the operation and maintenance capacity of the Ministry of Transport, Energy and Tourism to ensure the sustainability of the investment.

ADB’s support for Tuvalu’s maritime transportation follows a comprehensive approach to boosting domestic trade and transport, with the launch of the new passenger and cargo vessel, ‘MV Manu Sina’, complimented by ongoing investments to support the upgrading of harbors in Nukulaelae, Nui, and Niutao Islands.

Chapters:
0:00 - Overview of Manu Sina arrival to Funafuti with brief description of Inter-Island Connectivity project
0:43 - Emma Veve, Director General, Pacific Department, ADB
1:35 - Design and procurement of ship builder
1:54 - Hisaaki Misuda, CEO, Honda Heavy Industries
2:36 - Captain Toma, Captain of Manu Sina on safety and training
3:12 - ADB's support of building port facilities in outer islands
3:33 - Paufi Afelee, Tourism Officer, Funafuti
4:37 - Simon Kofe, Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation on partnership with ADB and the ongoing operations of infrastructure and facilities

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