Cook Islands Mulls Chinese Offer to Build Inter-Island Ships

Text of report by Cook Islands News website on 22 November

[by Helen Greig]

[Friday] 16 November: A committee appointed by Transport Minister Tangata Vavia is looking into a plan for Chinese-built inter-island shipping vessels. Prime Minister Jim Marurai, after his state visit to China in September, returned saying the Chinese were interested in helping government to build the ships. Marurai said local shipping problems have led government to consider a soft loan from China to build the ships to provide better service to the outer islands.

Committee member Ken Buchanan says while it’s not a done deal with China just yet, they are canvassing opinions from the tourism and private sector as well as island communities. Vavia has Transport Secretary Aukino Tairea, aid management’s Garth Henderson and naval architect Colin Dunlop on the committee as well.

On Wednesday members of the committee Don Silk and Alan Sefton met with northern group representatives to discuss the proposal.

Buchanan says they are leaning towards designing passenger ships that can carry cargo. This means that the ships will be up to a standard to carry tourists and locals to the outer islands as well as allowing for cargo space on board. Buchanan says the meeting with northern group representatives met with good feedback.

“Everybody recognized the need for a vessel. Most want a fast vessel, bearing in mind though that this would come with higher fuel costs.”

“The ships will be built to our specifications. The idea is that while they will be owned by government, the operation will be tendered out to the private sector,” says Buchanan. He says once they come up with a design plan, it will be sent to cabinet for further consideration.

Originally published by Cook Islands News website, Rarotonga, in English 22 Nov 07.

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