Matson
Ship Christened
To
Service Guam, HawaiiGuam's
First Lady, Joann Camacho did the honors at the christening of Matson Navigation
Company's newest containership, MV Manulani, late May. "The
Manulani, along with our other new KPSI ships, represent an enormous investment
in Hawaii and Guam's future shipping needs," said Matson Chairman Jim Andrasick
at the event. "In total, Matson has committed over $500 million to these vessels
- more than any other Jones Act carrier serving any market…these four new ships
will provide Hawaii and Guam with a strong, modern, reliable lifeline to and from
the U.S. Mainland." The
Manulani is part of an overall $365 million investment in vessel, container and
terminal assets to launch a new Guam-China service in February 2006. Governor
Felix Camacho says: "The island of Guam is proud to be a part of the vision of
this great company that has opened the doors of trade and transportation throughout
the Pacific, allowing the businesses and residents of Guam to enjoy direct-route
cargo transportation services from the West Coast United States." |
PM&O
Ships Held In Majuro
Services Disrupted Philippines, Micronesia and
Orient's two container ships, the MV Micronesian Navigator and the MV Micronesian
Nations, were arrested in Majuro on June 7 and 8, respectively, and held for five
days in a payment dispute that disrupted the company's east and west-bound shipping
service. Majuro Stevedore and Terminal Company filed suit in the High Court
that week to force PM&O to pay what it says is $345,548.99 in cargo, dock, storage
and handling fees dating to November 2003. But PM&O President Robert T.
Colson says the Stevedore company owes PM&O money. "The cost of shipping today
is accelerating dramatically," Colson said. "We really don't need to stop our
ships nor have our containers held hostage at a time like this and under these
circumstances." Both vessels link American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga, Marshall
Islands, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk with Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines
in the west and Hawaii and the U.S. west coast to the east. It is Kosrae's only
international shipping service. Visa Troubles Affect Arrivals
Both
Samoas Affected Polynesian Airlines believes the tightening of immigration
policies between the two Samoas has resulted in a drastic drop of passengers in
March and April this year, compared to the same period last year. (See related
story, Page 80) "March and April recorded the highest monthly reduction
in passenger numbers, between the two Samoas," says Polynesian's General Manager
of Airline Operations, John K. McNeely. He says there were 2,000 fewer passengers
in March, and in April a drop of over 3,200 passengers. "This dramatic drop
in passenger travel revenue has had serious repercussions on our bottom line,"
he notes. "Not only is the airline affected, but many other travel services in
both Samoas are also feeling the impact. "We believe this to be a direct
result of the tightening of immigration policies in both countries," says McNeely.
"There is little doubt that people are finding it harder to travel compared to
previous times, where both islands were considered 'family,' and people traveled
with relative ease."
-Fili Sagapolutele Transport
Briefs Norfolk
Jet Express has gone into liquidation. The Norfolk Island government says while
the Australian company-which provides Norfolk's only air link to Australia-has
gone into receivership Alliance Airlines and Air Nauru will now provide replacement
services under charter. Air
Pacific has recorded a F$35 million (US$ 20.7 million) gross profit for the year
to March 31. Net profit increased by 4.5 percent, and dividend of 28 cents per
share was approved by the airline's board. Meanwhile, the airline is confident
pilots it has lost to lucrative compensation packages in the Middle East will
eventually return to Fiji. Air Pacific has lost 13 pilots, a problem reportedly
being faced by other regional airlines. Samoa's
government is exploring the possibility of establishing the country's second international
airport on Savai'i island in an effort to promote tourism. SBC Radio One said
the Ministry of Civil Aviation is looking at Salelologa Village as a possible
site for the proposed airport and a study is being conducted on the environmental
impact and financial obligations.
-Fili Sagapolutele An
accident involving Sun Air and Air Fiji aircraft at Savusavu Airport in April
has prompted the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji to allow only one aircraft to
land at nominated airstrips if there is another craft on the ground. The rule
applies to Savusavu, Cicia, Moala, Gau, Vanuabalavu, Bureta, Koro and all private
aerodromes. Virgin
Blue announced mid-May that its full-year net profit had dropped by almost 13
percent due to higher fuel charges and greater competition, in part from Qantas
economy airline Jetstar. |
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