PRESS RELEASE: Launching Ceremony of MV Lady Samoa IV under JAPAN’S GRANT AID ASSISTANCE FOR THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
SAMOA, November 1 - The Government of Japan continues its commitment in its growing partnership with the Government of Samoa in achieving its development aspirations.
The long-awaited arrival of the MV LADY SAMOA IV was officially handed over yesterday (2 November) through a launching ceremony by His Excellency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, Mr. SENTA Keisuke to Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Hon. Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai. Also, present at the ceremony were Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished guests.
The new vessel which arrived last Thursday at Apia Port is 48 metres in length which features an environment-friendly design with international gross tonnage of 1,030 tons and a passenger capacity of up to 297 that is also fitted with solar panels that will help supply electricity power for the passenger spaces.
The construction of the project was approved by the Government of Japan under its Grant Aid Assistance for the Economic and Social Development Programme and was launched earlier in April at the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen Corportaion, Hiroshima, Japan.
The arrival of MV LADY SAMOA IV will replace MV LADY NAOMI that has been in service connecting Apia and Pago Pago for 24 years.
Japan is pleased to provide assistance through its Grant Aid valued at USD 17 million (approximately SAT 50 million) that will contribute to strengthening Samoa’s maritime connectivity. In addition, increasing commercial and trade links with American Samoa as well as further expanding safe and effective marine transportation to other neighbouring islands like Tokelau and Cook Islands is also highly expected.
The assistance also included capacity training of 6 Samoan crew members employed by the Samoa Shipping Corporation, who travelled on board this ship all the way from Japan and assisted with the successful delivery of the vessel from Japan to Samoa.
Japan and Samoa enjoy a long-standing history of cooperation, mutual assistance and friendship since 1973.
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