TONGA'S new inter-islands ferry, moored in the Nuku'alofa harbour since it arrived on October 15, was moved to its new berth place at the Queen Salote Wharf yesterday, December 8 - leaving everyone guessing on when the ferry will make its maiden run to Vava'u and Ha'apai.

Firstly, it was rumoured that the ferry would leave for the north this week, then it was going to be this evening, December 9, but as the day progressed the latest news was that the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA) would confirm the departure time later.

The CEO of FISA, Vaka'uta Pola Vi, told Matangi Tonga Online yesterday, December 8, that he was pushing for the MV 'Otuanga'ofa to conduct a test sailing this week to Vava'u and Ha'apai. He said he had received reports that the work to upgrade the outer islands berths in Vava'u and Ha'apai had been completed.

The FISA recruited 22 crew members last week, including the captain, Sione Ulakai an officer in the Tongan Navy. Most of the crew are Tongan sailors, with one or two civilian crew members. The crew has been manning the crew over the last week familiarising themselves with the ferry.

Transport

As the MV 'Otuanga'ofa awaits the confirmation of a departure date, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Sione 'Akau'ola confirmed that the berths for the ferry at Neiafu and Pangai had been completed and he had received the Certificate of Completion of the work from the Pacific Engineering Consultant Group.