The US Coast Guard has approved the vessel security response plan for the MV Manu’atele which would allow it to carry 55- gallon drums of fuel for the American Samoa Power Authority and gasoline for gas stations in Manu’a.
Acting Director of Port Administration Muliagatele Gus Godinet says Coast Guard approval of the Manu’atele’s security response plan was issued late last week.
Two sailings by the MV Manu’atele to Manu’a since it arrived January 4th did not take any fuel because the plan was still under review.
In other news, any doubts that the MV Manu’atele would not be able to dock at Ofu Harbor should be put to pasture.
Muliagatele says the Manu’atele and the MV Sili which was stuck in Ofu after taking on water damaging the vessel’s generators were both able to fit at the Ofu dock.
Play Audio
The MV Sili sailed back to Tutuila Friday with the MV Manu’atele
Muliagatele says the Sili will not be in service for an additional week as it needs some repairs.
For now the MV Manu’atele will be taking over the Sili’s trips to Manu’atele.
However it will not be charging for passengers and cargo.
The acting port director says they are targeting March or April for the Manu’atele to start commercial service.
