A new interim inter-island passenger vessel for Tonga is expected to be in service soon, to replace the sunken ferry MV Princess Ashika.

NZAID's Communications Advisor, Adham Crichton, said today that the move for an interim ferry service was instigated by NZAID in conjunction with AusAID and the Government of Tonga.

The submissions of proposals to offer a ferry service for Tonga was closed last week on September 10 and there has been interest from international operators in the Pacific, New Zealand and Europe. An assessment panel is now looking at the different submissions to decide on the most appropriate provider.

Under the tender, the vessel type sought after must have a Ro-Ro with bow or stern ramp and should accommodate 400 passengers both floor and day seating. The vessel requires a cargo capacity of approximately 250sq m and 4.55m free height with 100-400 tons of cargo deadweight.

"The aim is to have the interim charter ferry service in place as soon as possible following a fair and open tender process. And the charter period is expected to be up to 18 months and will provide regular, reliable and safe service until the replacement vessel funded by the Japanese government arrives in 2011," he said.

Crichton added that the Government of Tonga had been fully involved in the tender process to ensure that the interim service meets the requirements of the Tongan people.