The Ports Authority Act was passed in 1998 and with the appointment of the General Manager on the 1st May 1999 the Authority began preparations for commencement of operations on 1st July 1999.
Samoa Ports Authority was established to operate as a self-funding, commercial viable organization required to ensure safety of ports and maritime operations, in providing effective and efficient services.
Historically, Apia has served as a port of call for foreign vessel since early 1800s, first catering to the ship of Britain, United States and Germany. During this early period port infrastructure consisted of small jetties and landings independently constructed by competing foreign interests along the shoreline of Apia harbour.
After Samoa gained independence in 1962, the first Pacific Island nation to do so, a modern port with concrete pile wharves was established on the north eastern shores of the Apia inner harbour, where the port is located today.
