American Samoa's ferry vessel the MV Sili has been certified by the American Bureau of Shipping to carry commercial passengers and cargo on domestic routes.
The ABS certificate, recognised around the world as the safety record of note for commercial carrying vessels, was issued last Saturday after a stringent inspection by bureau officials.
The vessel had been dry-docked at the MYD shipyard at Satala for more than three months and came off the slipway two weeks ago.
Since it came off the slipway it has already made four trips to Manu'a alleviating a backlog of school supplies, ASPA materials, store goods and construction equipment and supplies.
The government still plans to send the Sili to Hawaii for machinery outfitting and to haul a new tug boat, dredge, and other equipment to the territory.
