New catamaran to serve Tonga’s outer islands

A new high-speed catamaran will ease travel for passengers in the outer islands of Tonga.

The vessel which cost the government $8.3 million pa’anga was launched by King Tupou VI in Nuku’alofa.

Kaniva News reports the MV Tongiaki can travel from Nuku’alofa to Nomuka, an island 108 kilometres away from the capital in about two hours.

It can do a return trip from Nuku’alofa to Vava’u in less than 12 hours.

The vessel can carry 200 passengers.

Minister of Public Enterprises Hon. Saia Piukala said the MV Tongiaki is the most and latest advanced to join the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency’s fleet.

He said FISA’s MV ‘Otu Anga’ofa used to travel at 12 knots while the MV Tongiaki traveled at 20 – 22 knots.

He said the shipping company has planned to extend its services to Fiji and Samoa in the near future.

FISA is a wholly owned Public Enterprise of the Government of Tonga

 

Source: Kaniva News