The Government officially commissioned a new state of the art tugboat called Sa’ula-60 on Tuesday, which authorities say will boost safety and security at the country's main port.

The new vessel was launched by officials from the Samoa Port Authority (SPA) and the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai said Sa’ula-60 will enhance safety, security and sustainability of the Apia Port Project, which is currently in progress and is funded through a grant aid from the Asian Development Bank (A.D.B.) and the Government of Samoa.

"The project focused on building resilience to climate change, strengthening border security and boosting trade are all key components of the Apia Port Project,” said Minister Olo. 

“The Government of Samoa will continue to work alongside A.D.B. to make the Apia port a more secure and greener international gateway."

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa cut the ribbon and officially launched the vessel at the main wharf at Matautu witnesses by guests and Government officials. 

Leah Gutierrez, the Director General of the A.D.B. Pacific Regional Department, said the tugboat will play a critical role in the work of the S.P.A. through the berthing and unberthing of vessels as well as improve the capacity and capability of the authorities to handle larger ships as they pull into Matautu.

Five ship building companies in Europe, China and Hong Kong submitted bids with the Bids Evaluation Committee deciding to award the contract to Cheoy Lee Shipyards Hong-Kong.

According to Minister Olo, the construction phase of the vessel was completed at the end of June this year with sea trials undertaken under the supervision of the Lloyds Company Surveyors. 

The vessel then undertook its maiden voyage departing from Vietnam on 2 July 2022 with four crew members led by Captain Appie Meijer and engineer Bert Voorsluijs from the Redwise company of the Netherlands for familiarisation and training onboard, who were accompanied by two representatives from the Maritime Division of S.P.A. The tugboat docked at Matautu at 4pm on Sunday 31 July this year. 

Named Sa’ula-60 the vessel derives its name from Sa'ula which is the Samoan word for the Blue Marlin, which is a favourite fish among local fishermen, while the number 60 is a tribute to Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary this year.