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New 'State-of-the-Art' Passenger And Cargo Vessel Arrives In Tuvalu
Tuvalu has weclomed a new "state-of-the-art" passenger and cargo vessel, the Manu Sina, to Funafuti.
The construction of the multi-million-dollar vessel, which arrived on Wednesday, was funded by the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Asian Development Fund ($30 million), and the Tuvalu government ($3m).
According to the ADB, the vessel is built by Honda Heavy Industries in Saiki, Japan.
"[It] has state-of-the-art navigation systems, is wheelchair-friendly, has gender-segregated toilets and a dedicated area for women."
It said the project is also building the operation and maintenance capacity of the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation to ensure the sustainability of the investment.
Tuvalu's Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication, and Innovation Simon Kofe said the island nation "waited for this historic day".
"This vessel will be a lifeline for the people in the outer islands and will ensure safer transfer of people and goods and will boost our economy and regional trade," he said.
ADB's Pacific head Emma Veve said the Manu Sina is designed to meet the unique needs of Tuvalu's outer islands, while meeting international standards of fuel efficiency, quality, and safety.
"The ship will play a vital role in boosting connectivity between the outer islands, the capital, Funafuti and neighbouring countries of Fiji and Kiribati, improving people's access to economic opportunities, health clinics, markets and schools," she said.
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