Samoa’s new international
passenger vessel, which is being built under Japan’s grant aid assistance, was launched
on Tuesday, 19 April 2022 at the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen Corporation,
Hiroshima, Japan.
The naming and launching ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Samoa
Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa via online from Apia, the Ambassador of Samoa to
Japan, Fa'alava'au Perina Sila-Tualaulelei, Senior Coordinator, International Cooperation
Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Ohmura Kazuyoshi, the Mayor of
Onomichi City Mr Hiratani Yukihiro, JICS and the President and executives of the Naikai
Zosen Corporation.
In her remarks, Ambassador Sila-Tualaulelei said, “I would like on behalf of the
Government and people of the Independent State of Samoa, to express my sincere
gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for its continued assistance to Samoa’s
development aspirations. This vessel will contribute in strengthening Samoa’s maritime
connectivity and enhance safe and efficient sea transportation, economic and trade links
with American Samoa.”
MV LADY SAMOA IV features an environment-friendly design with consideration for
passenger comfort, advanced technology throughout and is equipped to handle a wide
variety of cargo shipment. Its overall length is 48metres, international gross tonnage of
1,130 tons and a complement of 297 (280 passengers and 17 crew). Following the
launch, the vessel will remain at the shipyard in Hiroshima to be outfitted, to undergo a
series of performance inspections, and provide operational training to its Samoan crew
before it is delivered to Apia in August 2022.
The project for the construction of the new international vessel to succeed MV LADY
NAOMI (constructed in 1998) was approved by the Government of Japan under its ESDP
grant aid assistance.