A notable vessel once celebrated for its speed and recognized as a viable alternative to air travel in Tonga has surprisingly been rendered inoperable merely five years after its debut. Recently, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, conducted a review of government-owned entities, including the shipping company FISA, during which he uncovered that the esteemed catamaran is no longer in service.
The vessel has been handed over to the Fokololo ‘o e Hau organization, which plans to repurpose it for educational use by training students in painting and vessel maintenance skills. At a national development planning summit in Nuku’alofa, Minister Piukala expressed his discontent over the significant financial resources allocated to maintain the vessel, attributing its decline to what he referred to as “selfish leadership.”
In addition, Minister Piukala also addressed the recent sale of the MV Niuvākai, another vessel acquired by FISA in 2014, which sold for NZ$43,000 (approximately US$24,646), a far cry from its initial purchase price of NZ$936,500 (around US$536,778), highlighting issues of fiscal mismanagement among these maritime assets.
The $8.3 million aluminum catamaran, inaugurated by King Tupou VI in January 2018, was initially well-received by residents of the outer islands due to its ability to traverse short distances efficiently. For example, it could transport passengers from Nuku’alofa to Nomuka in about two hours—an impressive service for local transport.
Despite the setbacks, the vessel’s transition to an educational tool presents a promising opportunity for the next generation of sailors and maritime professionals. This situation underscores the critical need for effective leadership and responsible management in overseeing public resources.
There is hope that lessons learned from this experience will lead to more accountable and sustainable approaches in future maritime initiatives, ultimately enhancing connectivity and catering to the needs of the island community.
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