Tonga’s Last Private Shipping Firm Raises Alarm Over Government Policy and Donor-Funded Competition
Nukuʻalofa, 21 March 2025 — The Managing Director of Tofa Ramsey Shipping, Mrs. Tuna Likiliki, has spoken out against government policies and donor-funded competition that she says are threatening the survival of Tonga’s last privately-owned shipping company.
Mrs. Likiliki was one of four panellists invited to speak at the government’s four-day National Development Summit.
Tofa Ramsey Shipping, a family business with over 80 years of service in Tonga, is currently operated by the third generation of the Likiliki family, with the fourth now entering the business. The company began in Haʻapai and now provides nationwide coverage, including Vavaʻu, the Niuas, and ‘Eua.
“Government said there’s light at the end of the tunnel — but we’re suffocating in the tunnel,” Mrs. Likiliki said
She criticised what she described as inconsistent policies that change with each administration, leaving businesses without stability or support. She also raised serious concerns about the introduction of new, donor-funded assisted boats that directly compete with her services.
Local Business Competing With Donor-Funded Services
Mrs. Likiliki pointed to recent examples where new vessels, backed by NGO and donor support, were introduced to outer island routes — at a time when Tofa Ramsey had completed financing and upgraded its own fleet to service the same islands.
“Why didn’t anyone come to us and ask if we needed help to improve our services?” she asked. “We’re already out there doing the work.”
She added that while donor-supported operations often receive low-interest financing at around 6%, private businesses like hers pay rates as high as 10.5% — amounting to over $60,000 in interest alone.
“How can we compete when our own government is helping to build our competition?”
Investing in Infrastructure, Left Out of the Conversation
The shipping director also highlighted issues on ‘Eua, where her company invested in petroleum infrastructure to support local needs — again, without any acknowledgement or support from the government.
She noted that infrastructure decisions — such as the construction of a wharf unsuitable for most vessels — further demonstrate a lack of engagement with local operators.
“These decisions are being made without talking to us — the people who actually work in the sector,” she said.
We Need Respect, Support, and Dialogue
Mrs. Likiliki called for more meaningful consultation with the private sector, and recognition of the long-standing role businesses like hers play in connecting Tonga’s outer islands.
“We are the only Tongan-owned shipping company left. Every other one has folded. We have stayed — not because it’s easy, but because we care.”
Tofa Ramsey Shipping remains a rare example of a long-running, locally owned business still operating in a sector now dominated by external support and donor-backed initiatives.
