With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), work has begun to develop and transform the Aiwo Boat Harbor area, which will help make it Nauru’s first international and cargo terminal.

Nauru President, Mr. Lionel Aingimea, today witnessed the upgrade work as engineers installed large reinforced concrete piles into the atoll’s bedrock.

Over 500 of these concrete piles will form the basis of the port’s main structure.

“We are now realizing our dream of having an international port, and strong development partnership during implementation will be the key to the success of this project,” said Mr. Aingimea.

“The efficient, reliable, and climate-resilient port that will be built will be a lifeline to the people of Nauru,” said the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney Ms. Lotte Schou-Zibell.

Financed by ADB, GCF, and the governments of Australia and Nauru, the Nauru Sustainable and Climate Resilient Connectivity Project will increase the Pacific island nation’s trade opportunities and promote economic recovery.

The new port will be climate-proofed to allow large vessels to berth with the construction of a wharf featuring a berth pocket and breakwater.