Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced that the new cargo-passenger vessel funded by the Japanese government is set to arrive in July 2025.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Brown provided the update in response to a query from opposition MP and United Party leader Teariki Heather, who asked: “Can you report to this House for an update on the boat that was discussed about, coming to the Cook Islands?”

PM Brown responded: “A few weeks ago, I was given an update for the vessel that is to be funded by the government of Japan. We have now identified the vessel; it is being modified so it can carry more cargo and a small number of passengers.”

The modifications, which are being funded by the Japanese government, would ensure the vessel meets Cook Islands’ specific requirements, Brown said.

He explained that previous options did not align with the country’s needs, but the new vessel is more suitable.

“The good news is that the government of Japan will also cover the cost of the modifications. Once they’re complete, our vessel should be here by July, and that’s the latest news we have at the moment.”

The Cook Islands government has been working to strengthen domestic shipping through international partnerships.

Earlier this year, Brown revealed plans to acquire two vessels, with support from Japan and China. These efforts are part of the Domestic Shipping Roadmap approved by Cabinet on October 17, 2023, which aims to establish a government-operated fleet to serve the northern and southern Pa Enua.

The roadmap includes plans to provide safe, compliant ships, ensure regular maintenance, and develop local infrastructure to support shipping operations.

According to the government, the initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges in domestic shipping, including high operational costs, low demand, and limited private sector interest.

The Cook Islands’ shipping programme, reinstituted in 2018, previously relied on subsidies for private operators to reduce freight and passenger costs.

However, the government’s move to establish a fleet directly managed under its oversight aims to provide consistent and reliable services while managing costs through a subsidy and cost-recovery model.

The government previously emphasised that the provision of suitable ships is essential for revitalising outer island communities and ensuring equitable access to goods and services across the nation.