Tonga's Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB), the 'Voea Neiafu' has arrived in Townsville, Australia, for six months while refits and refurbishments are carried out.
The Life Extension Programme (LEP) is responsible for doubling the life expectancy of the PPBs. While they were originally designed to last for 15 years, each boat should now last 30. The LEP refit provides the PPBs with improved design features, including a modified hull, updated electronic systems, complete engine overhauls, renovated or new fittings, structural modifications to facilitate easier ships' husbandry and advanced fresh water and air-conditioning systems.
The vessel is expected to return to Tonga in early September.
Under the Australian Defence Cooperation, 22 Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB) were built and gifted to twelve Pacific nations between 1987 and 1997. The 31-metre PPBs are built to a commercial standard and are used by Pacific nations for maritime surveillance and response, in particular fisheries patrols.
Tonga received three PPBs. The other two vessels 'Voea Savea' and 'Voea Pangal' will receive similar refits at a later date.