The Samoa government-owned Samoa Shipping Corporation has announced new passenger fares and cargo rates for the MV Lady Naomi to go into effect in December.
SSC chief executive officer and managing director Papali'i W. Nensen, says the last rate hike for the MV Lady Naomi was in 2004 and since then costs of operations have increased.
He says there have been many changes due to the price of oil and even though oil prices have reduced, it's all part of the impact on the company's operations, and current revenues are unable to absorb increased cost of operations.
Many in American Samoa utilize MV Lady Naomi to travel as well as ship cargo because it is less expensive than traveling or shipping by air.
Rates will increase by an average of 30 US dollars.
