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Upgrading Maritime Institute in Tuvalu, Renowned for its Seamen

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (17 October 2002) - ADB has approved an assistance package to upgrade a maritime institute of vital importance to Tuvalu's economy.

The package, comprising a loan equivalent to US$1.85 million and a technical assistance (TA) grant of $291,000, will enable the Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute (TMTI) to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) training standards.

TMTI, situated on its own islet northwest of the capital island of Funafuti, trains young Tuvaluan men so that they can work abroad on foreign vessels. Tuvalu seamen are renowned for their strength, stamina, and friendly nature.

Annual remittances sent home from Tuvalu seafarers amount to Australian $5 million- A$8 million, a significant sum set against the country's gross domestic product of A$18 million.

But TMTI lacks the facilities to meet all IMO standards. Failure to remain on the IMO "White List" would jeopardize the work prospects of the 1,000 graduates registered as working seafarers and would close the pipeline for upcoming trainees.

"The project will ensure that TMTI continues to provide basic training and specialized refresher and upgrading training to meet IMO requirements," says Robert Siy Jr., Director, ADB Pacific Operations Division. "The loan project will target physical improvements and training equipment, while the TA grant will offer institutional support."

Facilities to be built or upgraded under the project include a wharf extension and safety-at-sea training equipment, fire fighting equipment, water catchment and storage facilities, new and renovated staff housing and better trainee quarters, and specialist training and operational equipment.

The technical assistance will improve teaching resources and develop new curricula, boosting employment prospects for graduates.

The loan will be from ADB's concessionary Asian Development Fund. It will have a maturity of 32 years, including a grace period of eight years, and an interest charge of 1% per year during the grace period and 1.5% subsequently. The TA will be from the Japan Special Fund, funded by the Government of Japan.

Executing agency for the project, due for completion by end-February 2005, is the Ministry of Education and Sports.

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