MV Tokelau explained

The MV Tokelau was an inter-island ferry which served as Tokelau's main transport connection to the world from 1991 to 2012.

The ship was built in 1991 as a 19m catamaran for use within Tokelau.[1] In 2000 it was converted to a mono-hull and lengthened to 30m in order to run an Apia to Tokelau service.[1]

In 2003 the Tokelau rescued two Tokelauan fishermen missing near Atafu.[2] In 2005 it delivered aid to Tokelau in the aftermath of Cyclone Percy.[3] In 2007 the vessel broke down in Fakaofo and its passengers and cargo had to be transport by the American Samoan government vessel, MV Sili.[4] In 2010 three men drowned when the boat they were using to ferry cargo to the Tokelau capsized in rough seas off Atafu.[5]

Concerns about the ship's age began to be raised in 2006, and the Tokelauan government request the government of New Zealand to purchase a replacement.[6] The request was repeated following the Princess Ashika disaster in 2009.[1] [7] [8] The New Zealand government commissioned a report, but took no other action.[9] In 2012, following a direct appeal from the Ulu-o-Tokelau Kerisiano Kalolo[10] the New Zealand government agreed to fund the construction of a new ferry, and to lease a replacement in the interim.[11] [12] In February 2016 the vessel was finally replaced by the MV Mataliki.[13]

In 2013 the ship was gifted to the government of Samoa as it was no longer considered fit to ferry passengers.[14] [15] It was operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation as the MV Pasefika Express to transport passengers and cargo between Upolu and Savai'i until it was sold to a private owner in October 2022.[16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tokelau island ferry 'safe' . Stuff . Michael Field . 29 December 2009 . 13 October 2022.
  2. Web site: Tokelau fishermen found alive and well . RNZ . 16 May 2003 . 13 October 2022.
  3. Web site: Long-term recovery aid shipment heads to Tokelau after cyclone . RNZ . 12 March 2005 . 13 October 2022.
  4. Web site: American Samoa ship helps out Tokelau after its boat breaks down . RNZ . 3 July 2007 . 13 October 2022.
  5. Web site: Three men drown off a Tokelau atoll after boat capsizes in rought seas . RNZ . 11 February 2010 . 13 October 2022.
  6. Web site: New Zealand to consider proposal for new shipping arrangements for Tokelau . RNZ . 2 March 2006 . 13 October 2022.
  7. Web site: Tokelau renews plea for new boat . RNZ . 13 July 2009 . 13 October 2022.
  8. Web site: Tough voyage for Tokelau to get new boat . ABC . Kerri Ritchie . 15 July 2009 . 13 October 2022.
  9. Web site: Report due on replacement of ferry in Tokelau . RNZ . 10 August 2009 . 13 October 2022.
  10. Web site: Tokelau Ulu calls for immediate solution to ferry woes . RNZ . 8 March 2012 . 13 October 2022.
  11. Web site: Tokelau's Ulu welcomes announcement of new ferries provided by New Zealand . RNZ . 12 June 2012 . 13 October 2022.
  12. Web site: New ferry a lifeline for remote Tokelau . SunLive . 13 June 2012 . 13 October 2022.
  13. Web site: Tokelau receives new ferry from NZ govt . RNZ . 25 February 2016 . 13 October 2022.
  14. Web site: Tokelau gifts old ferry to Samoa . RNZ . 28 January 2013 . 13 October 2022.
  15. Web site: Tokelau Presents Samoa Shipping Corporation With Ferry . Pacific Islands Report . 25 January 2013 . 19 September 2021 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210919053920/http://www.pireport.org/articles/2013/01/25/tokelau-presents-samoa-shipping-corporation-ferry . 19 September 2021.
  16. Web site: Businessman undecided on vessel's use . Samoa Observer . Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi . 12 October 2022 . 13 October 2022.

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