Tonga has welcomed a new inter-island ferry that will serve the island of Eua.
The new ferry has an average speed of 24 miles per hour, which is similar to the MV Maggie that operated in Tonga last year.
MV Maui was initially meant to arrive in Tonga during the Royal Agriculture show last month but was deferred for technical reasons.
The vessel is estimated to cost about TOP$1.7 million and is being jointly funded by the people of ‘Eua and a loan from the Tonga Development Bank.
According to the Chairman of the ‘Eua Sea Transport Council, Paula Vehituai, the ferry departed Auckland for Nuku’alofa and arrived on the weekend.
The name of the vessel was chosen by King Tupou IV.
Photo by Tonga Government.