1 Jul 2014

Tonga may use American Samoa dry dock

2:10 pm on 1 July 2014

The Tonga government is now looking at the American Samoa government owned shipyard to dry dock and repair its vessels.

Last month, a delegation from Tonga, that included officials from Tonga's state owned shipping operator was in the territory and met with the shipyard authority.

Shipyard board chairman David Robinson says arrangments have been made to dry dock Tonga's passenger ferry in American Samoa in September this year, and possibly one of their patrol boats in the same month.

Tonga also wants to use the dry dock early next year for its cargo vessel.

Mr Robinson says the Tonga government decided to use the American Samoa facilities because rates are competitive and the quality of workmanship is good.