JAWS South Pacific Shipping Company in August began a direct general cargo service from Auckland to Vava'u and Ha'apai, using a multi-purpose cargo vessel, the MV St Theresa.

The company is a new shipping venture of a local business family, Joseph and Soane Ramanlal.

Joseph said on September 23 that the vessel had been operating as a multi-purpose vessel in the Falkland Islands before they bought it and it has been registered to operate in Tonga.

The 600 tonnes MV St Theresa will provide a twice a month direct service from Auckland to Vava'u-Ha'apai and return.

He said that the vessel could carry general cargo, including 10ft and 20ft containers and up to 12 vehicles, and it has a 200,000 litres fuel tank.

The vessel arrived at Neiafu yesterday, September 26 for offloading and loading of cargo before departing for Ha'apai and returning to Auckland.