The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.

In an interview with Cook Islands News late last month, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the government secured an inter-island vessel for domestic shipping through an agreement signed with the government of Japan last year.

Brown said the new ship is expected to benefit outer island residents and help the government provide relief for high freight and fuel costs.

The Prime Minister said that as a government entity, the vessel wouldn’t face market pressure for a return on investment, unlike private companies.

“We see there is a need for the government to step in and provide certain key services at a standard or at an affordable price,” Brown said.

“Hopefully we can manage it in a way that then would allow the government to provide some relief for high cost of freight, cost of fuel, those sorts of things.”

The funding of the vessel has been made possible through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (ESDP).

The agreement signed in October last year between Cook Islands Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana with Japan’s Ambassador to the Cook Islands resident in Wellington ITO Koichi, enables the Cook Islands government to secure a vital inter-island domestic shipping vessel purpose-fitted to suit the country’s needs.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), Japan’s support comes at a crucial time for the Cook Islands Government, as it strives to enhance inter-island transportation links to ensure food security, boost imports and exports, and ensure economic resilience in the post-Covid era, particularly on islands beyond Rarotonga.

“The multi-year limitations on inter-island shipping infrastructure has at times hindered food and water security and social and economic resilient efforts on islands beyond Rarotonga, causing disruptions for community planning and entrepreneurial pursuits,” MFAI said in October last year.

“In alignment with the Economic Development Strategy 2030, the Cook Islands Government’s goal of acquiring a domestic inter-island vessel will help mitigate these difficulties, helping to alleviate poverty in the Pa Enua and promoting greater economic resilience.”

Elikana earlier expressed gratitude and emphasised the critical role of shipping for those living on the most isolated islands, particularly those in the North.

The incoming vessel has been welcomed by the residents of the northernmost island of the Cook Islands, Penrhyn, who have limited access to transportation.