After 26 years of dedicated service to Samoa under the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited (S.S.C.), the MV Fotu-o-Samoa II (MVFOSII) will soon be succeeded by a new vessel valued at US$5 million. 

The replacement will be 'larger,' 'faster,' and outfitted with 'state-of-the-art' navigation and security technology. 

General Manager Leiataua for S.S.C., Samuel Decca Phineas confirmed these details in a written response to the Savali Newspaper.

The contract, officially termed the Shipbuilding Contract with Sealink Shipyard Sendirian Berhad, was signed in Miri, Malaysia, by Alice Niumata-Leota, Chairperson of SSC, and Leilua Sosefina Faamausili, Assistant Attorney General representing the Government of Samoa. 

On the other side, Yong Kiam Sam, Director, and Kevin Yong Kiam Miaw, Company Secretary, signed on behalf of Sealink Shipyard. The choice of Malaysia for this signing was strategic, allowing the delegation to conduct a thorough assessment and visit the shipyard facilities.

Leiataua led the delegation in signing the contract with Sealink Shipyard SDN to construct the new vessel. 

The projected cost of the new vessel stands at approximately US$5 million. This includes the base construction cost of US$ 4.5 million and additional expenses estimated at US$ 1.4 million. 

The latter covers certifications, training, delivery, insurance, duty, VAT/GST, registration, and travel.

The new vessel is designed with impressive specifications: it will be 45.5 meters in length, 11 meters in breadth, and have a draft of 2.55 meters, with a cruising speed of approximately 10 knots when fully loaded. 

This new vessel is engineered to operate domestically and internationally, replacing the MV Fotu-o-Samoa II, which has been a cornerstone of SSC's fleet.

Significant upgrades include a 10-tonne crane for cargo operations, catering to islands without adequate wharf facilities. 

The vessel will feature a double hull, enhancing its ability to carry fuel and providing greater stability. 

For safety, it will be equipped with cutting-edge navigation and security systems and will comply with the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations.

Although the vessel will not be a dedicated passenger ferry, it can accommodate up to 12 passengers on international voyages, adhering to regulatory requirements. The design prioritises cargo capacity and operational efficiency over passenger amenities. 

Unlike its predecessor, this new vessel promises enhanced speed and capacity, significantly improving turnaround times and operational efficiency.

Construction is set to commence in approximately two weeks and is projected to span 16 months. 

The MV Fotu-o-Samoa II is now leased to Silva Group Corp and operating in American Samoa. 

In January 2023, the Cabinet authorised the replacement of the MV Fotu o Samoa II and instructed the Samoa Shipping Corporation (S.S.C.) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (M.F.A.T.) to explore financing options for the new vessel.