New inter-island ferry for Tonga
Updated
Tonga will have a new inter-island ferry within two years.
Matangi Tonga reports a $US16 million aid grant from the Japanese government will fund the construction of the new ferry, which will replace the 26-year-old MV Olovaha.
The vessel will be capable of carrying 400 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo, and is expected to be in service by March 2010.
The aid agreement was signed by Tonga's Foreign Minister and the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga last week.
