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MV Manu’atele has electrical issue

[photo: FS]
Replacement part on the way
fili@samoanews.com

ASG’s $13.6 million MV Manu’atele vessel docking the morning of Jan. 4 at Pago Pago Harbor’s main dock, which was packed with government officials, leaders and members of the public. However, it appears that the vessel is having a minor problem.

Port Administration Acting Director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele explained yesterday that the vessel took 23 days to get from Seattle to Pago Pago. The voyage home with three certified US licensed engineers, as mandated by the US Coast Guard, “was a continuation of our sea trials,” she said.

She said the vessel and all of the equipment and parts have a warranty for a year. She explained that five days before the MV Manu’atele arrived in Pago Pago the "bow thruster" (propulsion device) which makes the vessel more maneuverable “automatically started or kicked in.”

“The Engineers say it's an electrical issue,” she said, adding that Nichols Brothers shipbuilders were contacted by their observer, who was on the vessel, and will stay here until the vessel goes to Manu'a.

The part for the “bow thruster” is being shipped to the territory and is expected to arrive tomorrow.

“We anticipate that there will be other issues with this new vessel. That is why there is a one-year warranty on the vessel,” Taimalelagi said and noted Nichols Brothers, who constructed the vessel in Washington State, will send their technicians in December this year to provide maintenance and other work that is outlined in the contract.