Tonga’s inter-island ferry, the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, has departed Auckland this afternoon April 1.
Crowds gathered on the wharf to wave goodbye to crew members of the government’s owned vessel.
Some Tongans in Auckland made use of the opportunity of a shipment fee waiver when the ‘Otuanga’ofa returns to send vehicles, boat and goods to their families in the kingdom.
The ‘Otuanga’ofa arrived in Auckland in September 2022. It is expected to arrive back in Tonga next week Friday 7.
Tonga’s Minister of Transport told a press conference in late January that when the ferry arrived in New Zealand some unforeseen mechanical and electrical issues were identified which were not addressed when the ‘Otuanga’ofa was being repaired in Fiji in 2018.
Ship history
The ‘Otuanga’ofa was given to Tonga by the Japanese Government in October, 2010 to replace the Princess Ashika, which sank with the loss of 74 souls.
In January 2012 the ‘Otuanga’ofa hit the MV Sitka twice at the Queen Salote wharf in Nuku’alofa while trying to dock. Damage was estimated at UAS$50,000.
Close inspection ferry found cracks in the vessel and it was dry docked in Fiji for maintenance.
Last year the Fiji Sun reported that the ferry was having a new rudder fitted at the Industrial & Marine Engineering Limited (IMEL) floating dock in Suva.
