Inter-island ferry MV 'Otuanga'ofa suspends sailings [1]
Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 17:58. Updated on Friday, June 17, 2016 - 09:20.
Tonga’s inter-island ferry MV ‘Otuanga‘ofa has suspended all trips to the outer islands, and might be out of action for three months awaiting delivery of a new rudder.
Ferry operator, Friendly Islands Shipping Agency Ltd (FISA) stated today, that after experiencing technical problems with the rudder they found the ferry has to have a new rudder.
The Japanese ship builder has confirmed delivery of a new rudder within three-months time.
In the meantime, Class Insurance and Tonga's Marine and Ports Division have suspended the vessel from further trading until the rudder is fully repaired.
The earliest the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa can be back in service will be before the end of September this year, said FISA.
At this stage, FISA is providing an alternate ferry service on a much smaller ferry the MV Niuvakai, servicing the outer islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and Niuas.
The MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, which can carry up to 400 passengers was gifted to Tonga by the Government of Japan financed under a Grant Aid, worth over TOP$30 million.
It was commissioned in Nuku’alofa on October 28, 2010.