The American Samoa Government owes a shipyard in Hawaii US$800,000 for repairing a tug boat that the government bought last year.
The Company vice president, John Stewart, says it will not releasing the tug boat and two barges that the government also bought until the bill is paid.
The Marisco Shipyard is the same company that the government had proposed to repair the MV Sili until it was stopped by the High court.
According to Mr Stewart there's still work left to be done on the tugboat before it will be seaworthy.
However the company has stopped the repairs until the government makes a payment on work already performed.
Part of the US$800,000 bill was for bringing in the American Bureau of Shipping to inspect the tugboat, as well as equipment that was purchased to repair the MV Sili.
Mr Stewart said a meeting with government officials concerning payment was to be held this week, in Honolulu however the meeting has been moved to next week.
The Marisco official said the tugboat and barges have been at their shipyard for a year and half.
