A new ferry, MV Vaomapa, is now servicing the towns of Nomuka, Tungua, Ha’afeva, Pangai in the Ha’apai Islands group and also connecting Nuku'alofa to the island of ‘Eua. It can carry 140 tonnes of cargo and up to 250 passengers.

Managed by Tofa Ramsay Enterprises, the MV Vaomapa is 47 metres in length and was bought from Korea to provide extra ferry services to the outer islands.

The ferry made its first trip to ‘Eua on Saturday, 28 January and its second trip was scheduled for January 27 to the Ha’apai Islands. A service to Vava'u will commence this week. The 'Eua service runs on weekends only and Ha'apai and Vava'u service during alternate weeks. 

Nunia Ramanlal from Tofa Ramsey Enterprises said "the ferry is capable of carrying 270 passengers comfortably".

“The ferry can carry around 120 tonne of cargo,” she added.

There are no private cabins but passengers can enjoy air-conditioned seating over two levels with TV or enjoy the sea breeze on an outdoor area. 

The ferry was officially launched last Friday, 27 January at Faua Wharf where invited guests were treated to a cruise along the Nuku'alofa waterfront.