The Embassy of Japan officially handed over the SAT$66.74 million MV Lady Samoa IV to Samoa on Tuesday afternoon in a ceremony witnessed by Samoa Government leaders.

The Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai, told the guests that the commissioning and warranty of the new vessel was in line with the Government's long-term strategy plan to promote safe travel at sea and improve services.

"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," said the Minister. 

"I extend our utmost appreciation and thanks to the Government and people of Japan for this very important asset for our country. Faafetai, Faafetai Tele Lava!"

The commissioning of the MV Lady Samoa IV will see the new vessel take over the Apia-Pago Pago route that was serviced for over a decade by MV Lady Naomi.

Olo said the new vessel will play an important role in the services provided by Samoa Shipping Corporation, in carrying out their mandated functions of transportation.

"This will greatly improve the capacity and capability of the Corporation to accommodate the needs for travelling passengers on the Apia-Pago Pago route," he added.

The new vessel complies with international regulations for passenger ships, according to Olo, 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."

Japan's Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke, said in his speech that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the arrival of the new vessel in Samoa.

However, he said he is elated that it is now in Apia and its commissioning marks an important milestone that strengthens the friendship between Japan and Samoa.

"The timing of her arrival cannot be more opportune, since she arrived just in time to take part in the series of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Samoa," said Ambassador Keisuke.

"As the theme of the 60th year celebration proudly states, Lady Samoa IV sailed from Japan to Samoa with faith: folau ma le fa’atuatua. 

"In addition, as the year 2022 approaches its end, this notable event will introduce us to the year 2023, which marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Samoa."

Ambassador Keisuke added that he is confident that the new ship will contribute to strengthening Samoa's maritime connectivity, ensure safe and efficient sea transportation, and enhance economic and cultural links with American Samoa. 

"In the course of the planning, construction and delivery process of MV Lady Samoa IV we enjoyed friendly and professional working relations with the Samoa Shipping Corporation. 

"In addition to the construction and delivery of the vessel, our assistance included the training of the Samoan crew members, who after their training courses in Japan, sailed all the way from Hiroshima to Apia with her. 

"I would like to thank them for the safe delivery of the vessel to Samoa."

Olo also extended his thanks to the captain, chief Engineer, the Filipino crew and Samoa Shipping’s crew for the safe arrival of the vessel in 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," he said.

"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."