A new cargo ship for Tokelau is on track to be delivered early next year, and is expected to save on what have been described as astronomical charter prices.
Tokelau's Transport Minister, Afega Gaualofa, said the atolls' leaders agree the ship is the country's number one priority.
Mr Gaualofa says the ship will allow Tokelau to control its own travel and supply needs.
The director of transport, Su'a Himoana Mei, said it would allow the money currently being spent on shipping charters to be directed at other priorities, like health and education.
