Crown Prince launches new cargo vessel [1]
Friday, March 14, 2014 - 18:00. Updated on Friday, March 14, 2014 - 18:05.
Photos by Linny Folau
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala launches the MV Niuvakai cargo vessel at Faua Wharf, today, March 14.
The MV Niuvakai cargo vessel is to start service this month and transport aid supplies to Ha'apai, after it was launched by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala today, March 14.
Formerly the MV St Theresa, the vessel was bought by the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA) at a cost of NZD$936,000 from the Pacific Royale Shipping Group Ltd. based in Vanuatu through the local agent, Jaws Shipping Ltd.
At the launching ceremony on Faua Wharf, the Minister for Public Enterprises Hon. Fe’ao Vakata said that due to an increasing demand from the agricultural sector to provide more transportation opportunities the Government supported the procurement of this ship.
“Due to Tropical Cyclone Ian the need for more shipping capacity to Ha’apai became critical and the MV Niuvakai can help. Government was mindful of the recent MV Princess Ashika tragedy and insisted that a stringent due diligence process be conducted to ensure the ship is safe,” said the Minister.
FISA
On February 19, FISA announced its acquisition of the vessel to transport bulk livestock cargo to Tonga's outer islands and to provide an option for bulk cargo transportation to nearby Pacific Islands, including New Zealand.
It confirmed that independent surveyors from New Zealand and the Marine and Ports Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure had completed the required surveys and regulatory procedures to license and certify the vessel.
The MV Niuvakai has a built in chill freezer and cargo capacity of 660 cubic meters and 274.4 cubic meters with 274,440 litres for bulk cargo diesel fuel.
The Government of Tonga is the main shareholder in FISA, a public enterprise, which currently operates the inter-island ferry, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa.
The Crown Prince accompanied by Crown Princess Sinaitakala inspected the vessel with the Prime Minister Lord Tu‘ivakano.