New ‘MV Lady Samoa IV’ vessel christened

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 01 NOVEMBER 2022: The latest addition to the Samoa Shipping Corporations inter-island service between Apia and American Samoa, the MV Lady Samoa IV was launched by the Prime Minister last night.

The new and much larger vessel is funded by the Government of Japan at a total cost of WST$37.64 million and arrived at Apia port last Thursday.

The Minister of Shipping, Olo Fiti Vaai said the arrival of the new boat aligns with the recent reopening of borders and will provide excellent service for the Apia-Pago Pago passengers.

It is one of the long term strategic plans of the Samoan government to promote safe travel at sea.

“Today confirms the Government’s commitment to ensure we deliver the best service which will greatly assist all other areas of the Government’s development plans with one aim in mind, to improve the quality of life for all Samoans,” the Minister added.

Guests inside the vessels control room.

The new vessel is 48 meters long and has gross tonnage of 1,130 tons and a complement of 297 (280 passengers and 17 crew). She is fully equipped with modern marine technology to guarantee safety and navigational bearings.

The vessel consists of air conditions rooms for passengers, VIP special room, kitchen and freezers to ensure the safe keeping of goods and cargo.

“This will greatly improve the capacity and capability of the Corporation to accommodate the need for travelling passengers,” said the Minister.

“It is an environment-friendly designed vessel with consideration for passenger comfort, advanced technology throughout and is equipped to handle a wide variety of cargo,” he said.

It was officially launched in Hiroshima, Japan in April this year at the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen Corporation.