To update and implement a maritime policy and legislative framework that meets Niue’s needs.

The Maritime Transport Sector is one of the most highly regulated environments in the world. 99% of Niue’s imports are by sea, and tourism by cruise ships, yachts and charter activities (fishing, diving, and whale watching) are growing within Niue as well as the Pacific Region as a whole.

An updated Maritime Policy and Legislative Framework will meet the international conventions Niue has acceded and guide the development of Niue’s Maritime Sector for the future, ensuring standards for safe, secure and clean waters. It is important to note that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions are only be effective if they are adopted into national legislation.

As Niue is not yet a member of the IMO, Niue relies on its regional and international partners such as Maritime NZ, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) and the IMO itself for technical assistance to ensure we meet our international obligations and aspirations.

Our national framework will protect the people of Niue and our marine environment and resources by establishing standards and promoting maritime safety while creating opportunities to generate more revenue to improve our self-sufficiency.