Leased ferry to service outer islands [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Thursday, August 4, 2016 - 17:52
A passenger ferry from Australia is expected to arrive in Tonga and start servicing the outer islands sometime this month, until the inter-island ferry MV 'Otuanga'ofa resumes operation in October after repairs in Fiji.
Mosese Fakatou, CEO of the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FiSA), the ferry operator said they are leasing the ferry, which could seat more than 200 people, to provide temporary alternative ferry service for about three-months, until the MV 'Otuanga'ofa is back in action.
This ferry will operate alongside FISA's MV Niuvakai, a much smaller passenger ferry that has been transporting passengers to the outer islands.
Since June this year, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa had suspended all trips to the outer islands awaiting the delivery of a new rudder from Japan. The old rudder had experienced technical problems.
He said the ferry is now expected to be docked in Fiji for the repairs on 25 September. The Japanese ship builder has confirmed the delivery of a new rudder before then.
"We expect the MV 'Otuanga'ofa to resume trips to the outer islands in October."
The MV ‘Otuanga’ofa is a passenger and cargo ferry 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.
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