A marine engineer who gave evidence at an inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika in Tonga says a replacement vessel is unseaworthy and lives are at risk.
However, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) insists the Ajang Subuh, jointly funded by New Zealand and Australia and built in 2008, is safe.
Seventy-four people drowned when the rust-riddled Princess Ashika sank off the capital Nuku'alofa on 5 August last year.
Tongan engineer Mosese Fakatou claims the Ajang Subuh has run aground twice and is now operating on two propellors, instead of three.
Mr Fakatou says there is a danger that the ship could lose propulsion at sea and end up on a reef. He wants the vessel put into dry dock and repaired.
Mr Fakatou, who has previously worked for a rival ferry operator, admits he has not inspected the vessel, but denies that he has a vested interest in running it down.
However, MFAT says the Ajang Subuh has never run aground, and has been independently surveyed and complies with rigorous international maritime safety standards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, a ministry spokesperson says the vessel had minor mechanical problems in June, but repairs have been completed and it continues to provide a safe and reliable service.
Newspaper supports claims
A Tongan newspaper that published the engineer's claims says they are credible.
The editor of Kele'a, Mateni Tapueluelu, told Checkpoint he has asked Tonga's Maritime Department to answer the allegations, but has not had any response.
"I think the issue that the government should address is whether the claims made are true or not.
"The Tongan people, and of course Australia and New Zealand who are paying for this vessel, and have the right to have the views verified from the government and it's just unfortunate that the government's not doing that now."
While the Tongan government accepted the recommendations arising from the Princess Ashika inquiry, Mr Tapueluelu says the public still does not know if they have been implemented.
A 600-page report by a Royal Commission of Inquiry found the Princess Ashika was not seaworthy and that processes followed in its purchase were unsound. It says the Tongan government failed to conduct proper due diligence.
The report recommended the Tongan marine sector employ people with maritime experience, and says people with the right qualifications, experience and integrity should be appointed as officers of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia.
