01 November, 2022
Rev. Moli Moli
Honourable Prime Minister
Honourable Ministers of Cabinet
Honourable Speaker of the House and Members of Parliament
Chief Justice and members of the Judiciary
Your Excellency Extraordinary and Officials of Japan to Samoa,
Members of the Diplomatic Corp
The Chairman and Board of Directors of the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited,
Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Organizations,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
I am delighted to be here as we gather this evening to officially launch and Christian the newest addition and replacement of the “MV Lady Naomi” that has serviced Samoa, and the Apia-Pago Pago route for over a decade.
The supply, commissioning and warranty of the new “MV Lady Samoa IV” is one of the long-term strategic plan of the Government of Samoa in line with one of its objectives, to promote safe travel at sea and improving services for all. This is a timely celebration as I wish to acknowledge the presence of the Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa and on behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend our outmost appreciation and thanks to the Government and people of Japan for this very important asset for our country. Faafetai, Faafetai Tele Lava!
This new Lady Samoa IV plays a critically important role in the works and services provided by Samoa Shipping Corporation in carrying out their mandated functions of transportation by sea for the people of Samoa. This will greatly improve the capacity and capability of the Corporation to accommodate the needs for travelling passengers on the Apia-Pago Pago route.
Lady Samoa IV was built in compliance with the International regulations for passenger ships, and is fully equipped with modern marine technology to guarantee safety and navigational bearings as well as location of the ship when it leaves Samoa waters. The vessel itself consists of three decks, air-conditioned rooms for passengers, VIP special room, kitchen and special freezers to ensure the safekeeping of frozen goods and cargos.
This project was funded under the Government of Japan at a total cost of $1.94 billion Yen equivalent to $37.64 million tala.
This vessel was initially constructed in 2021 at the Shipping Construction company of Naikai Zosen Corporation in Setoda, Hiroshima, Japan.
Vessel details;
- Length – 48.0 meters
- Beam – 12.0 meters
- Draft – 2.45 meters
- Deadweight – 180 tons
- Passenger capacity – 280 passengers
- Full Speed – 12knots
MV Lady Samoa IV started sailing from Hiroshima Japan on 08 October 2022 and arrived safely in Apia on 28 October 2022, consisting of 8 qualified Filipino crew and 6 crew of the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited as part of their training of how to operate and man the vessel.
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 is to improve the quality of life for all Samoans.
The highest expectation is the enhancement of sea transportation services especially that vessels utilized are safe to execute our operations.
I wish to extend our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the Captain, Chief Engineer, Filipino crew and our Samoa Shipping’s crew for the safe arrival of the ship to Samoa. Thank you for your continued support and assistance for it was certainly not an easy voyage, and that we are thankful to the Lord for his guidance.
Special thanks to the Chairman of the Board, Afioga Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a, Board of Directors, Management and staff of the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited for your vision and the hard work that was put into this project that enables it’s successful completion. Congratulations and thank you for your courage! Also acknowledging the contribution by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Samoa Embassy in Japan, Her Excellency Fa’alavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila -Tualaulelei, our very own Ministry of Finance for taking part in securing funding and other arrangements for this project.
I sincerely offer my advice to the Corporation to ensure the well keep and use of this Government asset to ensure that it maintains its new and current condition and purpose to serve our travelling public.
May the Lord’s blessings be upon us all and this new Lady Samoa IV
Soifua ma Ia Manuia!
