Japan has agreed to build and pay for a new ferry for Samoa costing over 12 million US dollars.
Samoa's Minister of Works Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau and the Ambassador of Japan Toshihiro Takahashi signed papers for the new ferry last week.
CEO of Samoa Shipping Corporation, Papali'i Maposua Willie Nansen told the Samoa Observer the new ferry will be bigger than the Lady Samoa II , and be able to carry 740 passengers and about 40 cars.
It also includes an emergency medical room, and elevators to assist the disabled, as well as a business class section.
The new vessel will take about a year to construct and is expected to arrive in Samoa by February 2010.
