MV LADY SAMOA IV launched at Setoda Shipyard, Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima, Japan – 19 April 2022: Samoa’s new international passenger vessel, MV LADY SAMOA IV, which is being built under Japan’s grant aid assistance, was launched on Tuesday, 19 April 2022 at the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.

The naming and launching ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Samoa Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa via online from Apia, the Ambassador of Samoa to Japan, Fa’alava’au Perina Sila-Tualaulelei, Senior Coordinator, International Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Ohmura Kazuyoshi, the Mayor of Onomichi City Mr Hiratani Yukihiro, JICS and the President and executives of the Naikai Zosen Corporation.

In her remarks, Ambassador Sila-Tualaulelei said, “I would like on behalf of the Government and people of the Independent State of Samoa, to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for its continued assistance to Samoa’s development aspirations.”

Samoa’s Ambassador Sila-Tualaulelei launching the new vessel.

“This vessel will contribute in strengthening Samoa’s maritime connectivity and enhance safe and efficient sea transportation, economic and trade links with American Samoa,” said the Ambassador.

MV LADY SAMOA IV features an environment-friendly design with consideration for passenger comfort, advanced technology throughout and is equipped to handle a wide variety of cargo shipment. Its overall length is 48metres, international gross tonnage of 1,130 tons and a complement of 297 (280 passengers and 17 crew).

Following the launch, the vessel will remain at the shipyard in Hiroshima to be outfitted, to undergo a series of performance inspections, and provide operational training to its Samoan crew before it is delivered to Apia in August 2022.

The project for the construction of the new international vessel to succeed MV LADY NAOMI (constructed in 1998) was approved by the Government of Japan under its ESDP grant aid assistance.

Samoa’s Ambassador with officials of the Government of Japan at MV Lady Samoa 1V launch.