SHIPPING services will not be a problem for the people of Tuvalu following the handing over of the vessel MV Nivaga III by the Japanese ambassador, Takuji Hanatani.
The vessel, worth about $28 million, will provide much needed shipping services to the people of Tuvalu.
Mr Hanatani handed the vessel over to the Tuvaluan Acting Prime Minister, Maatia Toafa, at Funafuti Port two weeks ago before it made its trip to Fiji.
Tuvalu ambassador to Fiji Paulson Panapa said Nivaga III was a brand-new all-purpose boat. He said the MV Nivaga III would replace the MV Nivaga II which had faithfully serviced Tuvalu and its people since 1989.
“Fiji will be one of the vessel’s main key routes when it comes to replenishment of supplies to the island,” Mr Panapa said.
Suva Harbour was abuzz as hundreds turned up in numbers to attend the commemoration service last week.
Trade Pacific Shipping Agency Ltd general manager Samuel Narayan said the vessel would be used for inter-island transportation as well as trips to Fiji and Rotuma and other countries.
He said the vessel had a carrying capacity of 380 passengers and had a bigger cargo capacity.
Trade Pacific Shipping Agency Ltd has been the shipping agent for all Tuvalu government vessels since 2010 providing services such as boarding and Customs clearance when any of their vessels come to our shores.
This project is implemented under the Japan’s Grant Aid Program.
