With the small island nation of Tuvalu extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including rising sea levels and severe weather events, Hall is currently delivering coastal protection works across three of the country’s coral atolls as part of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project.
Having mobilised to the Funafuti atoll in November 2022, Hall has dredged sand from the adjacent lagoon to construct a 78,000m2 bunded foreshore reclamation area.
Hall General Manager – Marine Infrastructure Daniel Grey said the team had finished constructing a boat harbour and breakwater at the northern end of the reclamation in October 2023.
“The new infrastructure will enable community members to safely park their vessels and access the reclamation area, which is fantastic for Funafuti locals.
“Workers have now relocated to the Nanumanga atoll to construct a 665m berm top barrier and boat ramp.
“The project will wrap up in Nanumea, where Hall will undertake beach renourishment works and construct a 1,330m berm top barrier, 170m Seabee seawall and seven reef-top barriers.”
Daniel said meticulous planning was paramount when undertaking works in Tuvalu, with team members running through every eventuality prior to mobilisation and listing every item they anticipated they may require to reduce the likelihood of lengthy project delays.
“Given the country’s remote location, we don’t have the luxury of being able to source most materials and equipment locally, so we must transport everything we need to carry out the project from Fiji and Australia.
“We own and operate our own tugboats and barges and have developed strong relationships with shipping and logistics companies in the Pacific Islands, which enables us to ship large quantities of materials in and out of Tuvalu.
“We have also established our own workshop locally, so we can conduct plant maintenance and repairs in Tuvalu.”
Daniel said Hall had employed more than 80 Pacific Islanders as part of the project, including 60 Tuvaluans and 20 Fijians.
“We’re proud to not only be delivering crucial infrastructure that will protect Tuvaluan communities from the impacts of climate change, but also empowering local workers in the process,” he said.
“Many workers will finish the project with formal qualifications in plant operations, which are recognised anywhere in the world.”
The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project is currently on track for completion in June 2024.
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