TONGA'S new inter-island ferry the MV 'Otuanga'ofa sailed around the Nuku'alofa harbour, following its commissioning by the Princess Regent HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita on Thursday October 28 at the Queen Salote Wharf.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase presented a key for the MV 'Otuanga'ofa to the Princess Regent followed by a Japanese tradition, the breaking open of a barrel of sake by the Princess.

The new 1,534-ton ferry can carry up to 400 passengers and was financed under a Grant Aid from the Government of Japan, worth over TOP$30 million pa'anga.

Mr Takase said the project for the construction of the vessel was initiated upon request from the Government of Tonga with a view of providing safe and reliable means of marine transportation in carrying people and goods between islands.

He the new new inter-island vessel provided by Japan replaced the MV Olovaha, under the Government of Japan's firm commitment to contribute towards the improvement of basic infrastructure necessary for social and economic development in Tonga.

The MV 'Otuanga'ofa was designed by Project Manager Mr Toyonori Watanabe and built by ISB Co Ltd specifically designed to suit Tongan waters.

The Ambassador said the design of the ferry placed emphasis on safety particularly on stability and its fireproof construction. The vessel is equipped with highly efficient rudders and bow thrusters, which provide great manoeuvrability. It has fuel-efficient engines, modern electronic navigation equipment including radar, GPS and powerful cargo handling equipment, he said.

He also remembered the victms of the ferry sinking last year.

"On this occasion I cannot refrain from recalling the tragedy of the MV Princess Ashika, which was the interim ferry replacing the MV Olovaha. I would like to express our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences to the families, relatives, friends of people for their significant loss in this tragedy."

He hoped that the Government of Tonga would ensure an effective management system to be in place for the safe and effective operation and proper maintenance of the new vessel to ensure that the Tongan people would benefit from it ifor many years to come.

"The MV 'Otuanga'ofa is a great monument in celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tonga and Japan this year and acts as a sign of Japan's commitment to continue to cooperate with Tonga in their self help efforts for economic and social development in Tonga," he said.

Magnificent gift

The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon Dr Feleti Sevele said it was an historical occasion and a happy moment for the people as the commissioning of the new modern vessel was a magnificent gift from the Government and people of Japan.

He acknowledged other major projects funded by the Government of Japan noting the construction of the final phase of Vaiola Hospital worth $36 million pa'anga as well as many other projects covering all sectors of the economy since 1977.

Dr Sevele in thanking the Government and people of Japan said the vessel filled an important gap in the transport needs of the Tongan people.

"Properly maintained and serviced, this ferry should last more that 30 years but that is the key - properly maintained and services," he said.

"Our ties with your Government and people have been long standing, friendly and close, and more significantly between our two royal households, which underpinned thestrong diplomatic relations between our two governments."

Commercial services are expected to start by the end of November 2010 upon completion of crew training, sea trials and setting up of infrastructure and management systems for the ferry.