New inter-atoll vessel gifted to Tokelau

7 December 2018

A new inter-atoll vessel for Tokelau funded through New Zealand Aid will provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation between the country’s three atolls, the Director of Maritime NZ Keith Manch says.

The vessel, Fetu o te Moana, or Star of the Sea, is a 13-metre partly covered aluminium boat with two 440hp engines with jet units. It can carry 12-14 passengers and has an adaptable reclining first aid bed for transport of a sick or injured person. It has a top speed of around 32 knots.

The vessel is designed for use between Tokelau’s atolls but has the fuel capacity to travel to Samoa, weather dependant, if required.

The vessel is equipped with the latest safety equipment and electronics including long range radio which operates under global maritime distress and safety systems.

It is being provided through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP), which is delivered by Maritime NZ.

There is currently no designated search and rescue vessel to respond to an emergency in Tokelau. The new vessel will be used for emergency response, and transportation between the islands for community leaders, teachers, officials and other people as needed.

The $860,000 vessel has been designed by ICON Custom Boats in Rangiora, with input from the masters of the Mataliki and Tokelau’s Department of Transport and Support Services.

Mr Manch said a critical part of the project was to ensure the vessel was established safely and effectively in Tokelau and the PMSP would deliver a training, equipment and implementation programme which would run over the next two years.

This includes:
• 50 hours of sea trials for the vessel once it is completed to ensure it is operating as expected and that all of its features are working to specifications.
• Coastguard NZ classroom and on-water training for four Tokelauan operators in Christchurch.
• Three phases of training in Tokelau for a wider group of about 10 people in the vessel’s operation and maintenance.
• Ongoing maintenance support for the next two years.
• Support in developing a safety management system for the vessel.
Mr Manch said the training in emergency response and boat maintenance that the PMSP will deliver over the next two years would develop local knowledge and skills.

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