The interim ferry charter vessel the MV Ajang Subuh conducted a short sail around the Nuku'alofa harbour on April 22 following its commissioning by Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele at the Queen Salote Wharf.

The vessel took guests on a 20 minutes voyage that went smoothly around the harbour.

The ferry, which arrived from Malaysia on April 16, is expected to begin its first commercial sailing to Vava'u and Ha'apai next week, and is expected depart Nuku'alofa early tomorrow morning on a trial sailing to Vava'u and Ha'apai to assess the harbours before returning to Nuku'alofa next Tuesday, April 27.

The MV Ajang Subuh is expected to sail to Vava'u and Ha'apai on a weeky basis and sail every six weeks to Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu.

In commissioning the vessel, the Prime Minister said the vessel meets all requirements and is registered under the Tongan flag. He said the occasion marked a milestone for the provision of sea transport in Tonga.

Following the tragic sinking of the MV Princess Ashika he sought assistance from the New Zealand and Australian Prime Minsters during the Pacific Island Forum Leaders in Cairns, Australia last year. It was then agreed they would work together to find an inter island ferry service in Tonga until the arrival of the replacement vessel from Japan.

He said it was not easy trying to identify a vessel that could cater for both passengers and cargo but then this vessel was sighted to be suitable for Tonga.

Aid

The Prime Minister thanked the New Zealand and Australian Governments who are providing up to Tongan pa'anga $4 million to charter the vessel for 12 months.

The New Zealand High Commissioner HE Christine Bogle said in her address that none could forget the Ashika tragedy, and noted that sea travel is a vital lifeline for the people of Tonga in transporting people and cargo to and from the outer islands.

Families rely on the ferry for their economic livelihood and this vessel was identified to be suitable for Tonga waters in Malaysia. It was built in 2008 and accommodates up to 70 passengers and 200 tonnes cargo. It has a top speed of 15.5 knots but would be operating in Tonga on 10 knots.

The New Zealand and Australian Government is providing AUD$1.9 million dollars to charter the vessel for its 12 months operation in Tonga.

Meanwhile, the MV Pulupaki, which was stopped for repairs was expected to resume its inter-island service last night.