In a significant boost to Tuvalu’s maritime security, Australia officially handed over the Guardian-class patrol boat HMTSS Te Mataili III to the Pacific Island nation.
The handover ceremony, held in Western Australia, was attended by Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Australian Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh.
The event marked a new chapter in the security partnership between the two nations, under the banner of the “Falepili Union,” a collaboration aimed at bolstering regional security and addressing shared challenges.
Welcoming Prime Minister Teo, Minister Keogh expressed Australia’s commitment to supporting Tuvalu’s sovereignty and resilience. “Prime Minister Feleti, it is terrific to have you here today to celebrate this important moment in our Falepili Union,” Keogh said.
“The Te Mataili III will support the people of Tuvalu to protect their sovereign maritime resources from illegal fishing and transnational crime. It is a signal of the strength of our union that we are cooperating to fight these challenges together.”
The handover of Te Mataili III follows the loss of the previous patrol vessel, Te Mataili II, which was stationed in Vanuatu when it was destroyed by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in March 2023. The twin Category 4 storms wreaked havoc across the region, and the damage to Te Mataili II was beyond repair. Minister Keogh acknowledged the loss, noting the importance of ensuring Tuvalu’s ability to patrol its waters and respond to crises.
“The impact of the twin category four Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin was devastating for the people of Vanuatu, and cost Tuvalu the Te Mataili II. I’m pleased that Australia was able to loan an interim vessel to Tuvalu, but equally glad that Te Mataili III can now take up its role serving the national priorities of Tuvalu,” Keogh said.
The new patrol boat will significantly enhance Tuvalu’s capacity to safeguard its vast maritime domain. Tuvalu, a small island nation with extensive exclusive economic zones (EEZ), faces ongoing threats from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other transnational crimes. The Te Mataili III, designed specifically for Pacific Island nations under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Programme, will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
“The Te Mataili III will support the people of Tuvalu in protecting their maritime resources from illegal fishing and transnational crime,” Keogh reiterated. “It is a symbol of the strength of our union that we are working together to fight these challenges.”
The vessel will also enhance Tuvalu’s participation in regional operations such as those led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), which coordinates fisheries patrols and surveillance to protect the region’s vital tuna fisheries.
Beyond its role in enforcing maritime security, Te Mataili III is equipped to respond to humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The Pacific region is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural disasters, and patrol boats like Te Mataili III are crucial in delivering aid and relief to remote islands in the aftermath of disasters.
“We have seen throughout the Pacific the great value of the Guardian-class patrol boats in responding to major climate events,” Keogh noted. “These vessels play a vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to island nations, particularly in the aftermath of major disasters when access to remote islands can be difficult.”
Keogh emphasised Australia’s commitment to working with Tuvalu and other Pacific Island nations to address the growing threat of climate change.
“As we respond together to the challenge of climate change, these vessels are essential in ensuring that help reaches those who need it most, when it’s needed most,” he said. “While we hope it will never be needed for this purpose, Australia is proud to support Tuvalu’s resilience with the handover of this vessel.”
In preparation for the handover, crew members from Tuvalu’s Police Maritime Wing joined forces with the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Training Group for weeks of joint training in the waters around Perth. The training focused on all aspects of the patrol boat’s operation and maintenance, ensuring that the crew is fully prepared to take command of Te Mataili III on its long voyage from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
“Over the past few weeks, members of the Tuvalu Police Maritime Wing and the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Training Group have been working as one team, focused on all aspects of the vessel’s operation and maintenance,” Keogh said.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Development, Pat Conroy said: “The delivery of HMTSS Te MatailiIII to Tuvalu demonstrates Australia’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our Pacific partners.
“This vessel will strengthen Tuvalu’s maritime capability, as we work towards our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific,” he said.
