The MV Lady Naomi, a vessel that has been a crucial part of Samoa’s inter-island transportation network for 26 years, was recently sunk in a planned event by the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited. Lady Naomi made countless trips, establishing strong connections between the islands and supporting both passenger and cargo transport.
Throughout its operational years, the MV Lady Naomi played an essential role in facilitating travel and commerce between the two Samoas. The vessel was known for its reliability and capacity to carry both people and goods, contributing significantly to the local economies and the mobility of residents and tourists alike.
The MV Lady Naomi vessel, which mainly sailed to American Samoa, also on occasion sailed Cook Islands from Samoa, was built in 1998. Continuous mechanical and structural problems have recently caused it to be out of service. The government decided to dispose and sink the roll-on-roll-off passenger ferry in the deep waters further from Apia last month.
Sinking of ships is a common practice among countries as a cost-effective and safer way of disposing of a ship. Some potential reasons for this action could include efforts to create an artificial reef. Such efforts can enhance marine biodiversity and provide new habitats for marine life, while also attracting divers and boosting local tourism. Additionally, this method can avoid the environmental hazards associated with shipbreaking. However, it is important to note that these potential benefits are general assumptions and not the specific reasons provided by the Samoan government for this particular sinking.
“The aging vessel was succeeded by the new $66.74 million passenger vessel, the MV Lady Naomi 60, launched two years ago”, according to a recent report by Samoa Observer.
Two years ago, the Samoa Observer reported on the launch of the new vessel, MV Lady Samoa IV. The ship was officially unveiled in April of that year at the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan, and was set to replace the MV Lady Naomi. Funded through a grant aid assistance program from Japan, the MV Lady Samoa IV has been designed with an eco-friendly approach and a focus on passenger comfort. The vessel is equipped with advanced technology and is capable of handling a diverse range of cargo shipments. It measures 48 meters in length, has an international gross tonnage of 1,130 tons, and can accommodate up to 297 people, including 280 passengers and 17 crew members.
The MV Lady Samoa IV replaces the ferry Lady Naomi, ensuring the continuation of reliable transportation services between the islands.
For more details, or if you have any questions, visit Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited Facebook page.