TONGA'S domestic interim ferry MV Ajang Subuh that has been servicing the outer islands in Tonga for over two months is currently not sailing due to engine problems.

Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Sione 'Akau'ola said on July 1 that the ferry had stopped sailing for a week now after one of its engine was damaged during a trip to the Niuas.

He said reports from the captain confirmed that while the ferry was berthed at the wharf in Niuafo'ou a wave hit it pulling it up then slamming it down hitting the rocks.

The ferry had also experienced problems and difficulty trying to enter the Niuatoputapu harbour due to the reef, said Sione.

Parts are being flown down to Tonga on July 1 and the crew would repair the damage this weekend and resume normal service to the outer islands next week, said Sione.

The Ajang Subuh is relatively new, having only been launched in Malaysia in 2008. The Australian and New Zealand governments are putting in $1.9 million each to finance its charter for Tonga.

The 41m-ferry arrived in Nuku'alofa from Malaysia on April 16 with a New Zealand crew headed by Capt Dennis Nisbet. It operates with a full capacity of 70 passengers offering seven air conditioned cabins and carries 150 tonnes.

Meanwhile, the MV Pulupaki is servicing the outer islands as well as the cargo ship MV Sitka, said the Acting Secretary.