Samoa has a new tugboat expected to boost safety and security at the country’s main port.
Named Sa’ulā-60, the tug was commissioned on Tuesday and is part of an Asian Development Bank project for sustainability of Apia Port.
Samoa Observer reports the Minister of Transport, Olo Fiti Va’ai, said the project focused on building resilience to climate change, strengthening border security and boosting trade which are all key components of the Apia Port Project.
“The Government of Samoa will continue to work alongside A.D.B. to make the Apia port a more secure and greener international gateway,” he said.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially launch the vessel named after the Blue Marlin.
Five ship building companies in Europe, China and Hong Kong submitted bids with the Bids Evaluation Committee deciding to award the contract to Cheoy Lee Shipyards Hong-Kong.
The vessel departed from Vietnam on July 2 with four crew members led by Captain Appie Meijer and engineer Bert Voorsluijs from the Redwise company of the Netherlands.
Also on board were two representatives from the Maritime Division of Samoa Ports Authority.
The tugboat docked at Matautu at 4pm on Sunday July 31.
Photo; Government of Samoa
