The Government’s plans to develop the tourism industry took another step forward yesterday when it christened Lady Filifilia, at the Matautu wharf.

Named after Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese, the wife of Head of State, His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the 24-meter-vessel will be operating under Talofa Cruises, a division of Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd.

Prime Minster Tuilaepa Lupesoli’ai Sa’ilele Malielegaoi christened the vessel. He applauded the decision to name it after a woman, rather than a man. Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau said the ship was bought from Cairns, Australia.

Lady Filifilia would create more job opportunities for sailors and students in the tourism and hospitality industry, he said. Signing over of the vessel took place in February this year.

The vessel will take cruises to four areas. The cruises are Atua Cruise to Manua, A’ana Cruise to Manono and Apolima-tai, Salafai Cruise to Savai’i and Tumua Cruise to Mulifanua, Nu’usafee, Aleipata and back. He said the vessel can also be charted and reserved for weddings and conferences.

Lady Filifilia is 24 meters in length, 7.5meters in breadth overall, 2.00meters in depth. It is built from Aluminum and has a service speed of 21knots.

The vessel was built in 2000 and can carry 130 passengers, four crew members and four diving instructors.

Lady Filifilia is equipped with three decks with a fuel tank capacity of 3,670litres and sewerage capacity of 2000litres.

Source: Samoa Observer / Images: Samoa Observer