Fotu o Samoa chartered for passenger and cargo service to Manu’a
The Fotu o Samoa, a boat belonging to the Samoa government, has been contracted to provide much-needed passenger and cargo service to Manu’a. This is according to an announcement from Governor Togiola Tulafono who has expressed deep concern for the lack of sea transportation service to Ofu and Faleasao wharves, not to mention what he calls inconvenience and hardship placed on the residents of Manu’a since the MV Sili was dry docked.
The Governor explained that there are always efforts to try and avoid situations like this as it has resulted in stores being low on stock as well as gasoline and other cargo not being delivered to Manu’a.
“I am happy to say that we have chartered the Samoa Shipping Corporation vessel – the Fotu o Samoa - and it will arrive this Sunday night and depart for Manu’a on Monday night,” the Governor announced. “I truly regret the inconvenience this has caused to the people of Manu’a. I wish to thank you for your patience as we make all efforts to restore reliable sea transportation service between Tutuila and Manu’a.”
In the Territory’s efforts to ensure a vessel will always be available for service to Manu’a, the Governor has instructed the Department of Port Administration to perform sea trials on the Manu’atele III to determine its sea fitness.
According to the Governor, the completion date of the detailed work being performed on the MV Sili has been extended, and it will be at least two weeks before the MV Sili comes off the slipway.
When that happens, the MV Sili will still be required to undergo review to determine if it is ABS fit. The vessel will then be sent to Honolulu for further work and certification. Afterwards, it will return to the Territory in late July, towing a barge of government-purchased equipment and other supplies.
This is why, according to Togiola, he has asked the Port to thoroughly prepare the Manu’atele III to provide service to the Manu’a Islands. He said that if the Manu’atele III is sea worthy, and is approved to sail to Manu’a, then the boat will be scheduled to travel there on a regular basis.
But for now, the Governor explained, the Fotu o Samoa has been chartered to transport cargo and passengers to Manu’a, and “it is our hope that utilizing this vessel will provide immediate relief for Manu’a as we await completion of repair service of our government vessels to properly provide safe and reliable sea transportation service for Manu’a.”
The Fotu o Samoa is scheduled to depart for Manu’a with passengers and cargo on Monday night, June 16th.
The Governor explained that sea transportation to Manu’a is very important to sustain quality of life. “I wish to apologize for the inconvenience and ocean service interruption to Manu’a as we are making every effort to remedy the situation by taking the first step to contract the Fotu o Samoa.”
He concluded, “It’s a wonderful service for families and businesses, so we continue to make improvements and upgrade our sea transport services to Manu’a because it is a more convenient, energy-efficient, and economical form of transportation.”
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