New Ships for Fiji & Tonga-Some New Passenger Options

Posters here will be Happy to hear of these latest developments and who knows maybe we will see the sunrise from the decks of one of these vessels as we sail into little travelled seas-it could happen to any of us but my money is on Lazslo (!)

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Tonga Shipping Company Purchases New Cargo Vessel
Ship to service outer islands, other Pacific nations

NUKU‘ALOFA, Tonga

The Friendly Islands Shipping Agency FISA, yesterday 19 February announced its acquisition of the cargo vessel, MV Theresa, to transport cargo to the outer islands of Tonga and to nearby Pacific Nations.

The MV Theresa's immediate engagement will be to transfer relief and construction materials for the reconstruction of Lifuka and nearby islands in Ha'apai that were destroyed by Cyclone Ian on 11 January.

The MV Theresa belongs to the Pacific Royale Shipping Group Ltd of Vanuatu, whose agent in Tonga is Jaws Shipping.

Tapu Panuve, the Chairman of FISA said that they have reached an agreement with the Pacific Royale Shipping's agent in Tonga, Jaws at a purchasing price of NZD$936,000 [US$778,000].

He said that FISA had signed a 10-percent deposit with Jaws, giving the shipping company two-weeks to complete all transaction documentation. "If all goes well, we will then proceed and make the final acquisition," said Tapu.

Tapu said that within a month or two they should be able to confirm the sailing schedule for the vessel. Meanwhile, the vessel is being repainted and it will be renamed, and rebranded to FISA’s shipping colours before it starts its operation in March.

"This brings to a satisfactory conclusion FISA's efforts to identify a suitable cargo ship to compliment its existing service to the outer and regional islands. This transaction will assist Government's efforts to assist growers with the shipment of their produce to relevant overseas markets," said Tapu.

He also stressed that a thorough due diligence exercise was conducted by FISA with independent surveyors from Auckland – Dunnsford Marine, class surveyor – DNV and the Tonga Maritime Authority.

From August 2011 until recently, MV Theresa ran a cargo service for Jaws Shipping between New Zealand, Vava'u and Ha'apai.

Vaka’utapola Vi, the CEO of FISA stressed that the MV Theresa was the most suitable for Tonga, out of five vessels that they looked at in Auckland, PNG and the Caribbean.

He said they selected the MV Theresa because it was already in Tonga and negotiation for its acquisition was easier, because it had an agent in Nuku'alofa. Some of those ships were also run-down and needed repairs.

The general cargo vessel has a gross-tonnage of around 591 with a dead weight of 433.

The Government of Tonga is the main shareholder in FISA, which is currently operating the inter-island ferry, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa.

Tonga Customs last year seized the MV Theresa after it was spotted allegedly transferring undeclared customs goods on Nuku'alofa waters. One of its directors Joseph Ramanlal and the captain were charged in relation to the incident and have pending cases in court.

Tapu said the advice they have received from Crown Law that there is no longer a seizure notice on the MV Theresa.

"Our agreement is that when the vessel is delivered to FISA it would be debt-free, and that is why there is a two-weeks period for the shipping company to finalise their business before we make the final acquisition," said Tapu.

http://pidp.org/pireport/2014/February/02-21-07.htm

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Past Governments Neglected Fiji’s Maritime Services: Bainimarama
PM commissions new landing craft, marking ‘resurgence’ of shipping services

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Sun, Feb 20, 2014)

The Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, has described the services provided to the maritime zone by past governments as "embarrassing".

The Prime Minister made the comment yesterday while commissioning the Government’s new landing craft, Sigavou, at the Government Marine Wharf in Walu Bay, Suva.

"I’m told that the last new vessel acquired by the Government Shipping Service was 29 years ago, in 1984. Frankly, for a maritime nation like ours, this is a huge embarrassment," Commodore Bainimarama said.

"For too long, the GSS has been neglected. But worse, the people whom it is meant to serve have been neglected – the ordinary men and women in our maritime communities who deserved better service delivery but haven’t got it; until now."

The arrival and commissioning of the vessel now marks resurgence in the fortunes of the GSS.

The Sigavou can carry cargo and 20 passengers, and was bought from Malaysia at a cost of US$2.6 million.

This 47-metre, 149-tonne landing craft is ideal for Fiji’s needs – with its two dedicated freezers and a forklift that can transport heavy goods and bring the produce of maritime communities quickly and efficiently to markets on the mainland.

Fish, seaweed, copra, coconut oil, etc are items that maritime communities rely on to earn an income.

The craft will also be able to cart goods from Viti Levu to the islands more readily, conveniently and with the economies of scale at more cost efficient freight rates.

"In less than a year, no fewer than three new vessels are being commissioned to finally end the years of neglect, to finally give ordinary people the level of service they deserve."

He was gratified that his Government was able to do it.

He congratulated the delivery crew led by Captain Pauliasi Vakaloloma for making the 5000 nautical mile journey safely over 26 days.

Captain Vakaloloma said it was an honour bringing home the landing craft.

He said the trip was good. At one stage while sailing through a river, they had to remove the mast to pass under a bridge.

"We put it back after crossing the bridge," Captian Vakaloloma said.

Unlike other Government vessels purchased from overseas, he said the Sigavou was ready to sail as it had complied with the requirements set out in the new Maritime Transport Decree and the Ship Registration Decree.

In April, the Prime Minister will welcome a second landing craft from Malaysia.

It can carry 30 passengers as well as cargo. In January 2015, a third and bigger vessel is expected to arrive, capable of carrying 80 passengers.

The three new ships will add to the current fleet of six. "That means that the economic prospects of the islands these vessels serve will also be transformed. We will finally have workhorses capable of carrying the goods and the people needed to open up these places for further development," the Prime Minister said.

"Things will change for those living in the maritime areas after having been neglected for far too long."

A crew member, Ratu Isireli Laserau from Navakasiga, Bua, said he had been working for GSS for 23 years and sailing the Sigavou home was an honour.

He described the 26-day trip as exciting and would treasure every moment.

http://pidp.org/pireport/2014/February/02-21-11.htm

Is that the MV St Theresa that is around in the region for some decades already (and very much looks like that)? She was briefly used for cargo services from Samoa to Tokelau, so I saw her in Apia harbour from time to time. I really hope that none of us will have to see the sunrise from her deck and I am sure that Laszlo will know to avoid that too.

Yes I think it's the same old scow that was caught smuggling and was sold off for a song, slapped with some paint and is now back in the game!

Actually, I have no plans to revisit either Tonga or Fiji anytime soon anyway.
But international ships taking passengers in the Pacific are so scarce that if I happened to be there and needed to get from one country to another and didn't have an air ticket yet (that's a lot of 'if's!) I would probably be gld to hop on just about anything. Same might go for some obscure domestic routes - I might still want to sail to Rotuma, and around Northern Lau one day.

But for now Eastern Polynesia and Micronesia are higher priorities to me.
With the easternmost island of Polynesia planned for next month, actually! :-)

Yes, that one.

Rapa Nui? Or is there anything more eastern that I have never heard of?

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Rapa Nui? Or is there anything more eastern that I have never heard of?

Wouldn't it depend on your reference? Longitude 180 or relative placement in the Polynesian Triangle?

Sure it depends on the reference - everything does. But any reference should be of relevance I think. So of course I refer to the Polynesian Triangle as this defines Polynesia.

Or would you call the Lau Islands Group not the easternmost part of Fiji anymore but being located in West-Fiji because their geographical position, in reference to the Greenwich Meridian, is 178 degrees West? And Suva being in East-Fiji then, on about 176 degrees East?

Edited by: wksamoa

Sorry... after thinking about it my comment was irrelevant to Lazlo's post. But in my defense, as an old sailor, my mind works in cartographic terms. Easter Island is in fact east of the rest of the Polynesian Islands. But it isn't easternmost in strict cartographic terms. Whatever Polynesian Island is closest to 179 deg 59' 59" East Longitude would lay claim to that distinction. If the 180th meridian split an island it would be both the (or one of the) easternmost AND the westernmost of it's defined grouping.

I think Hardnose's comment about the ship's history more relevant and much more interesting than mine. :-)

Okay, why not? Taking the global cartographic perspective, its Tuvalu then, easternmost Polynesia. Funafuti is on 8°31′S 179°13′E.

But, funny though - if the French would have won the struggle about the Prime Meridian, which they, even until 1911 (!), insisted to go through Paris, Tuvalu would be westernmost now and Rapa Niu easternmost, because there is no Polynesian country west of Tuvalu, only some outlier islands. So the whole thing is not only cartographic, but historic too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_meridian

Okay, why not? Taking the global cartographic perspective, its Tuvalu then, easternmost Polynesia. Funafuti is on 8°31′S 179°13′E.

But, funny though - if the French would have won the struggle about the Prime Meridian, which they, even until 1911 (!), insisted to go through Paris, Tuvalu would be westernmost now and Rapa Niu easternmost, because there is no Polynesian country west of Tuvalu, only some outlier islands. So the whole thing is not only cartographic, but historic too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_meridian

You forgot about NZ. It's west of Tuvalu.

There you are right. Cartographically and even in the common description of the Polynesian Triangle. And as Hawaii is still regarded part of Polynesia why not New Zealand too? Laszlo might find a similar situation in Rapa Nui, the remaining corner of that triangle.

I guess New Zeland is often forgotten as part of Polynesia as it just doesn't fit into the image of Polynesia being a tropical island paradise.
Otherwise, its Polynesian population and culture probably remains stronger than that of Hawaii.

Hey Laszlo...

I just noticed our local PBS station is broadcasting a program about Easter Island. You might be able to stream it from your location. It's called "Mystery of Easter Island" and shows how the experts think the original Polynesians moved the huge statues from the quarries to the current locations. Here's the link:

http://video.idahoptv.org/video/2299677471/
(it will prompt you to sign in but you don't have to to watch the video)

#13
I think NZ has treated the original inhabitants better than the US has in HI and better than AUS has treated the Aboriginal people there.

Not that it's been that good, just the least worst....

A lot of CI Maori live there. There are approx. 3,000 people with roots in the Island of Mauke there, while the current population of Mauke is just 250. people.

Going to New Zealand quite often over the last 32 years I do not see New Zealand as part of Polynesia. Singing the national anthem in Maori is not enough to make up for that. Of course not because of missing palm trees and beaches there either. Only because of missing Polynesians.

Even though its most likely the country with the highest number of people of Polynesian descent , either Maori or Islanders, they are only around 20% of the NZ population. And they are in no way dominant at all. There is no doubt that the Queen of New Zealand sits in London and you strongly feel that when you are in New Zealand. I met quite a few British tourists there who were simply delighted how much NZ reminds them of Britain a few decades ago. There is a lot of Middle Earth there too now and they are very proud of it.

Those Maori culture shows in Rotorua do not compensate that. But you are right that there is still more Maori presence in New Zealand than indigenous Hawaiian presence in Hawaii. The Maori show is at least done by real Maori unlike the Hula shows done by Hawaiian second generation Filipinas. And Maori still have their tribes and meeting places, so at least some of them are still maintaining some tradition.

But 80% of the New Zealanders are not Polynesian. So that country is not Polynesia to me. I am not criticising or deploring that, just state the fact. It had been Polynesia, which I see as a more cultural term, not really a geographical - but its not anymore, for 100 years or so already. And that makes it different from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and even French Polynesia, which is clearly not France. Not because of palm trees or not, but because of 80% population being Polynesians - just the opposite of New Zealand.

If you see it geographically only - like Europe is Europe regardless who is living there - then NZ would be Polynesia too though, of course. Once Polynesia, always Polynesia.

And now I am really curious about what you will find in Rapa Nui in that regard.

wksamoa...

Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia are all geographic references.

You could make similar observations about Fiji and Wake Island regarding their respective grouping as Melanesian and Micronesian as well.

It's not how we personally feel about them. It's about their initial inhabitants and how the western cartographers cataloged them. It may not be the same 1,000 years from now.

I wonder how the ancient navigators who REALLY discovered them would feel about it?

I spent some time in the East Cape area where there is also a strong Maori influence and population. It's also a very scenic place. I recommend it on your next visit to NZ.

What about Hawaii then?
Most people would accept it as Polynesia without thinking, even though I guess less than 1% of its population is Polynesian and their culture and language is mostly gone, or is restricted to shows for tourists (with the Hula often performed by Filipinas, I think).

ASFAIK, Rap Nui still has a majority native Polynesian population and the language is still spoken by many, even though their culture is rather "Europeanized" (Isn't it in much of Polynesia?).

I've only been to NZ once so far (more will definitely follow!).
However, to me the Polynesian presence was very obvious.
In Auckland, I stayed with a Niuean couple I had met and invited me in Samoa.
They took me to that weekend market full of Polynesians, and the city is also home to the museum with the best Polynesian collection I've seen so far.
My first destination outside the city was Waitangi during Waitangi Day, with a huge and majority Maori presence, Maori performances and speaches for a Maori audiance, "fastfood sellers" selling very Polynesian "hangi" (?) to the crowd out of caravans, etc.
Then I hitchhiked around North Island, and found myself in seemingly majority Maori areas twice: once in Northland, another time in the "King's Country" (?). I was often picked up by Maori, and chatting to them was a very un-European experience, including hearing their attachment to ancestral land, and even a relatively young woman who moved back to a remote family cottage in Northland from Auckland telling me how they had to bury an old family heirloom (some kind of old Maori weapon) in her garden back there after I had brough bad luck to all family members inheriting it and trying to keep it elsewhere.
To me, this was as real Maori culture as I could taste, far more interesting than joining the tourist crowds in Rotorua (where I never even went) in ridiculous-sounding organized Maori tours complete with pressing of noses and staged dance-shows.
Of course the European population and culture were there, too - but really, Maori presence and culture seemed to me far stronger than I had expected, so I have no trouble thinking of the country as at least partly and originally "Polynesian".

Great thread-Thanks to everyone for their input!

I've just re-read the whole lot and noted how wksamoa had already described Hawaii and the hula performed by Filipinas before me. I almost duplicated that without being aware of it (wrote in a rush and overlooked that bit earlier)! I guess it just sums up the fakeness of it all so well, both of us had to mention it.

BTW, H2ooh, (at least) the Fijian island of Taveuni is crossed by the Meridian.
I recall reading in Stanley's book how a farmer there in the days gone by used to be able to make his workers toil 7 days a week, claiming that when it was Sunday on one side of his farm, it was still Saturday on the other.