TONGA'S new inter island ferry, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa sails from the Queen Salote Wharf at 11pm tonight, Wednesday December 15 with over 100 passengers on its first voyage to the outer islands of Ha'apai and Vava'u.

Vaka'uta Pola Vi, the CEO of the Friendly Island Shipping Agency FISA told Matangi Tonga Online today he is happy that the ferry is finally sailing since the people of Tonga have been waiting for it.

He expected over 100 passengers on the sailing as people had flocked to the shipping office to buy tickets costing $68 for Pangai and $88 for Neiafu.

The MV 'Otuanga'ofa is expected to arrive at Pangai around 10:00am on Thursday, December 16 before departing for Neiafu at midnight on the same day, said Pola. It returns through Pangai, arriving in Nuku'alofa around midnight on Friday, December 17.

He added the ferry would also begin commercial sailing next week, when the schedule would be confirmed.

The ferry's departure tonight is great news to the public since it has been tied up at the wharf for two months after arriving from Japan on October 15, due to hold ups in crew selection and upgrade work to the outer island berths.

Pola said the MV 'Otuanga'ofa has 22 crew with Lilo Vainikolo, a civilian, as Captain and Sione Ulakai, a navy officer, as Staff Captain.