MV Princess Ashika the replacement ferry for the MV Olovaha, did not arrive in Nuku'alofa last week from Fiji, as expected, and is now rescheduled to arrive on Monday, June 22.

It is understood that Princess Ashika, a second hand ferry built in Japan and operating in Fiji for many years, had set sail from Suva but returned to port due to stormy weather and rough seas.

The Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd., John Jonesse, said today, June 19, that Princess Ashika had been rescheduled to arrive Saturday, with a first sail set for sometime next week.

In the meantime the 26-year-old MV Olovaha remains in operation and has been busy transporting people from the outer islands to the capital for the FWC Conference that starts next week.

John said the Olovaha departed Nuku'alofa for Ha'apai on June 17 and upon returning would depart for Vava'u tomorrow.

"No final decision has been made on its retirement," he added.