Handover Ceremony of a Maintenance Boat and Mobile Workshop Truck under Japan's Grant Aid (October 23, 2026)
2026/10/23
Ambassador Suzuki delivering his speech
The donated maintenance vessel
The donated mobile repair workshop truck
Ambassador Suzuki, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa, SSC representatives, and other ceremony attendees
Ambassador Suzuki, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa, and another representative cutting the ribbon
On 23 October 2026, a handover ceremony was held for a maintenance boat and mobile workshop truck provided to the Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) through Japan's Grant Aid Assistance for the Economic and Social Development Programme. At the ceremony, H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, officially handed over the equipment to Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister of Samoa.
The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Tau'ili'ili Vaelua Sonny Brown, General Manager of SSC, and other representatives.
The maintenance boat, approximately 17-metres in length, and the mobile workshop truck, with a combined value of approximately USD 1.54 million (SAT 4.23 million), will strengthen SSC's capacity to maintain and repair its fleet, including Lady Samoa IV, which was provided through Japan's Grant Aid in 2022.
This assistance builds on Japan's longstanding support for Samoa's maritime transport sector and is expected to contribute to safer and more reliable vessel operations, particularly maritime transportation between Upolu and Savai‘i.
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting safe, reliable and sustainable maritime transport and Samoa's economic and social development.
The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Tau'ili'ili Vaelua Sonny Brown, General Manager of SSC, and other representatives.
The maintenance boat, approximately 17-metres in length, and the mobile workshop truck, with a combined value of approximately USD 1.54 million (SAT 4.23 million), will strengthen SSC's capacity to maintain and repair its fleet, including Lady Samoa IV, which was provided through Japan's Grant Aid in 2022.
This assistance builds on Japan's longstanding support for Samoa's maritime transport sector and is expected to contribute to safer and more reliable vessel operations, particularly maritime transportation between Upolu and Savai‘i.
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting safe, reliable and sustainable maritime transport and Samoa's economic and social development.
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