The new inter-Samoa ferry, Lady Samoa IV, has arrived on its maiden voyage to American Samoa.
This follows US Coast Guard approval after an inspection of the vessel in Apia, last week, by Coast Guard Lt. Richard Quintana and two officers from the local Marine Safety Detachment Unit.
A reception is scheduled on board the ferry this afternoon at the main dock.
The invitation shows that Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga will give an address, and First Lady Ella Mauga will cut the ribbon.
Samoa’s Minister of Transport, Olo Fiti Vaai, Chairman of the Samoa Shipping Corporation Board, Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a and officials of the corporation, will be hosting local government and business officials on board the new vessel.
The ferry, which was financed by the Japanese Government, has seating for 297 including VIP cabins — described by those who have toured them as first class.
It arrives just in time for the busy holiday traffic on the inter-Samoa route, and offers a reprieve from high airline fares.
