The Samoa 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 commercially as a self-funding 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 ships of Britain, United States and Germany. During this period, port infrastructure consisted of small jetties independently constructed by competing foreign interests along the shoreline of Apia harbour.
After Samoa gained independence in 1962 and as the first Pacific Island nation to do so, a modern port with a concrete pile wharf was established on the north eastern shores of the Apia inner harbour, where the modern port is located today at Matautu.
