A date for the MV Manu’atele to depart for Honolulu to undergo repairs at a shipyard there is not known, but the vessel is being prepared for the trip.
Deputy Director of Port Administration Christopher King says the Coast Guard has to give the okay if the vessel is fit to make the trip.
So for now Port Administration is working on making sure the vessel can safely sail to Honolulu.
King said a shipyard in Honolulu has agreed to carry out repairs to the Manu’atele, however, since they are still finalizing the contract, he preferred not to disclose the name of the shipyard.
The MV Manu’atele, which cost about $15 million and was acquired with funds raised from the sale of bonds, was damaged when it rammed into the Ofu dock during heavy weather in January. There was significant damage to the vessel’s starboard hull.
Initial estimates for repairs was more than $200,000 but KHJ News understands that the actual cost would be significantly higher.
The Department of Interior has redirected $1.6 million in capital improvement project funds to carry out repairs to the Manu’atele.
Asked how long the repairs are likely to take, King said probably up to 45 days.
While the MV Manu’atele is out of commission a private vessel owned by Papali’i Laulii Alofa, MV Pago Pago, has been making deliveries of supplies, materials and goods for the government and passengers to Manu’a.
The MV Pago Pago is licensed as a recreational vessel and cannot charge for its services.
