Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After several weeks out of operation, the MV Manu‘atele ferry is officially back in service, marking a significant step toward restoring reliable transportation between Tutuila and the Manu‘a Islands. Director of Port Administration, Barney Sene, confirmed the vessel’s return, emphasizing its importance to the daily lives and economic stability of Manu‘a residents.

The ferry’s temporary suspension allowed crews to complete essential mechanical repairs and conduct overdue maintenance. According to Sene, they faced a mechanical problem and needed replacement rudder components which they ordered from Canada more than 12 months ago.

However, due to Tariff issues between the US and Canada, the part was stalled at the Canadian border. The part was eventually released after Port Administration engaged a US Shipping company on its behalf to work with Canada and US Customs to clear and move the part to the US, then to Los Angeles. The part arrived in Los Angeles the week of April 13th and landed here in Pago Pago on Saturday, April 18th.

Installation on the MV Manu'atele by Port Administration took a couple of hours on Sunday, April 19th. Testing commenced on Monday, April 20th, and early Tuesday, April 21st. The vessel sailed to Manu'a on Wednesday evening, April 22nd, carrying passengers and cargo, arriving in Manu'a on Thursday morning, April 23rd.

Director Sene stated that once the repairs to the rudder were addressed, the MV Manu'atele was able to be used for non-revenue passenger and cargo service to support the Manu'a Islands at this time.

He revealed that apart from the replacement rudder components that have been installed, ten other major mechanical issues have been addressed with eight minor issues pending before USCG full certification will commence in the coming weeks. He explained that for Port Administration to charge passenger and cargo fees, the remaining items need to be addressed prior to USCG certification.

MV Manu'atele maintenance and repair costs are covered by the Port Administration and reimbursed by the US Department of Transport (DOT) Federal Highway Administration.

Asked if there was a  long‑term maintenance plan to ensure reliable service to Manu‘a, the Port Administration director said the issue was more around Port Funding. He explained that the US DOT will reimburse Port for all maintenance costs to the MV Manu'atele.

Unfortunately, Port must pay the cost upfront before being reimbursed by the US DOT. The reimbursement process can take 3- 6 months. More FY2027 budgeted dollars would help expedite and sustain MV Manu'atele in the long term.

In a hearing of the Senate Transportation, Airport & Port Committee last month, Sene testified that the MV Manu'atele is currently able to dock safely at the Ofu wharf under present conditions. He added that the Manu‘atele can also access the Faleasao wharf, but only during the calmer months of April through November, when seasonal weather patterns create more favorable tidal conditions.

In contrast, he stated that the vessel cannot dock at the Ta‘ū wharf because the water depth is insufficient. The area must be dredged before the Manu‘atele can safely approach and tie up.

According to the Director, the dredging project is expected to cost between $3 million and $4 million and is considered a complex undertaking, as it must meet federal compliance requirements and secure approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He said that work is in the initial stages of identifying and confirming funding before any work is bid out. The earliest time for dredging would be 2028 at the earliest, depending on Federal funding.

In the meantime, Director Sene said the most practical interim solution would be the acquisition of two Landing Craft Utility vessels (LCUs) to address the long‑standing challenge of transferring passengers and cargo from the Manu‘atele to shore. He explained that LCUs would provide a safer and more reliable means of shuttling people and freight when the Manu‘atele is unable to dock, and he noted that a smaller LCU would also be ideal for the heavily used Auasi- Aunu‘u route.

The Port Administration director said the current operating arrangement will have to suffice until the two new vessels arrive to serve the Tutuila- Manu‘a route, a project slated for completion in 2028. The proposed vessels — two high‑speed, low‑emission catamaran‑style ferries — are being funded through a major Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Designed to operate significantly faster than the MV Manu‘atele, the new ferries are expected to reduce the current 6- 7 hour journey to approximately two hours, marking one of the most substantial improvements to inter‑island travel in decades.

He added that unlike the MV Manu‘atele — which requires a draft of approximately 12 to 14 feet — the new vessels need only about 4 to 6 feet of water depth to berth safely at Ta‘ū. This shallower draft, he noted, is a key advantage of the new ferries and will allow them to access the wharf without the dredging currently required for the Manu‘atele.

Sene emphasized that the underlying issues have existed for many years and cannot be resolved overnight. “We have to take time to get the right boats,” he stated, emphasizing the need for careful planning and appropriate vessel selection to ensure long‑term safety and service reliability.

Responding to inquiries about the condition of the MV Sili, Director Sene confirmed that the vessel is no longer operational or suitable for passenger or cargo service.

He explained that restoring the MV Sili would require an estimated $4- 5 million to refurbish the vessel and bring it back into compliance with U.S. Coast Guard certification standards. Given the high cost, Port Administration is instead considering the acquisition of new Landing Craft Utility vessels (LCUs), which could be purchased for roughly the same amount while offering far greater long‑term value and reliability.

Sene added that the MV Sili will soon be auctioned off to free up space at the Port Service Dock for active vessels and ongoing operations.