Photos by Takai Palei

Tonga's new inter island ferry the MV 'Otuanga'ofa left Japan on September 27 on its way to Tonga where it is expected to arrive in Nuku'alofa on October 15.

The Japanese Embassy in Nuku'alofa received confirmation from the ISB Co. Ltd. in Tokyo, that the ferry had left the ISB shipyard wharf on September 27 after a departure ceremony.

Previously, on September 22 a signing ceremony was held between Tonga's Minister of Transport Hon. Nuku and Japanese officials, to mark the official handing over of the new ferry to the Tongan Government.

The Tongan Community in Japan joined the Minister of Transport Hon Nuku in the departure ceremony for the MV 'Otuanga'ofa held on the ferry. Hon Nuku thanked the Government of Japan for making Tonga's dream come true.

He said Tonga would now be able to provide safe sea transportation to its outer islands that is consistent with international best practice and to offer modern, clean and affordable shipping services to the people of Tonga through the new ferry.

"This is an important step forward in the development, management and administration of sea transportation in Tonga and importantly providse a beautiful, safe, secure and modern ferry for the inter island shipping services in Tonga".

He said the Government of Tonga deeply appreciated the assistance provided by the Japanese Government through their Grant Aid program to Tonga, in funding this project.

Hon Nuku also thanked the technical assistance and support made by the President and staff of the ISB Company Ltd in designing and building the new ferry. He also thanked the President and staff of NBK Corporation in conducting appropriate training under this project.

Present at the ceremony, was the President of the ISB Company Ltd Mr Murashima; President of the NBK Corporation Mr Yukio Kuribayashi; and the Director of Fisheries Engineering Company Ltd. Mr Toyonori Watanabe; Japanese shipping officials and members of the Tongan community.

Also present were Sione Akauola, secretary Tonga Ministry of Transport, Nofomuli Taumoefolau, President of the Komiuniti Tonga-Japan and secretary Takai Palei, with Sinali Latu, Uatesoni Namoa, Setuata Lahi of SUTT-Japan, and Vanisi Takeifanga a church minister.

The voyage to Tonga of the MV 'Otuanga'ofa is under Captain Hitoshi Kumagai and he is assisted by Sb Lafitani Uelelima Telefoni. Captain Lupeti Vi left for Tonga two weeks before September 27 for health reason, and he was replaced by a Japanese, Captain Hitoshi Kumagai.