Japan commits $30m for Tonga's new inter-island ferry [1]
Friday, June 6, 2008 - 13:08. Updated on Sunday, September 14, 2014 - 21:45.
Nuku'alofa
Tonga will have a new Olovaha inter-island ferry by March 2010, thanks to the Japanese government.
The Japanese Ambassador for Tonga, HE Mr Masashi Namekawa, and Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou signed an agreement for a Japanese Aid grant of $30 million pa'anga on Wednesday, June 4 for the construction of a new inter-island vessel for Tonga, replacing the 26 -year-old passengers ferry, MV Olovaha.
A press release from the Japanese Government said that the new vessel will be 53m long and 13.5m wide, and it will be capable of carrying 400 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo.
The vessel will be equipped with two six tonne cranes, a modern navigation system, radio apparatus and cargo-handling equipments such as eight reefer containers, 54 dry containers, and two forklifts.
The inter-island ferry is a lifeline between the islands and the government wanting to replace the Olovaha in its Strategic Plan 8 made a request to Japan for its Grant Aid Cooperation for a new public service vessel.
The inter-island ferry service between Tonga's main island groups has been maintained by private ferry owners and the government, though the quality of the service desperately needs further improvement. The ferry service to the remote Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou remains poor, and these isolated islands could go two months without a ferry to bring in supplies from the main island of Tongatapu.