The Marine Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure in Tonga has cleared the M.V ‘Otuanga’ofa to sail between the islands.
Radio Tonga reports the ministry conducted a trial voyage of the ship yesterday to test its sea worthiness capabilities and safety.
A Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA) spokesman said the M.V. ‘Otuanga’ofa returned to Nuku’alofa after docking for maintenance in Suva for mechanical problems which suspended the ferry’s services for about 4 months.
This is good news for the residents of the outer-islands as many people were not satisfied with the inability of the temporary vessel M.V. Maggie Cat to carry cargo.
However, MV Maggie Cat will continue to operate in Tonga, before returning to Australia.
FISA has paid in advance more than AUD$100,000 to the Australian owner of Maggie Cat for its operation for about a month now in Tonga.