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M/V Luta arrival faces delay
The arrival of M/V Luta in the CNMI is expected to be delayed because of a few more modifications being done on the vessel.
According to Senate President Victor C. Hocog (Ind-Rota), a boom crane has just been installed on the vessel, as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. A rescue boat has also been placed on the ship’s deck, in addition to four rafts.
“There is already a delay, but the ship has undergone 99 percent certification, particularly for the boom crane,” Hocog said.
According to Hocog, the crane is required by the U.S. Coast Guard because the ship will carry 18 to 20 passengers.
Hocog said he has yet to directly contact M/V Luta and no date has been determined on the ship’s arrival.
The trip from the U.S. mainland to the CNMI is estimated to take from “30 to 40 days” depending on weather conditions.
In early April, a christening was held for M/V Luta. It was expected that the ship will then proceed to set sail for the CNMI a few days after the christening.
Lawmakers said the ship will have a significant economic impact in the Commonwealth as the first roll on/roll off vessel that can carry cargo, multiple vehicles, and passengers to and from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
The 165-foot vessel can carry 20 passengers and 30 20-foot container vans.
M/V Luta will most probably dock at Rota’s West Harbor. As of the moment, business details such as passenger fares and cargo fees have not been disclosed and it will be up to the operator to set the fees.
The vessel, after getting the clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard, will need to secure clearance from the Commonwealth Ports Authority and Customs Border Protection once it lands in the CNMI.
Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig earlier said M/V Luta will have an impact on Rota, as it is expected to help the island’s tourism and business sectors.
According to Atalig, one of the immediate impacts will be the lowering of ferry fares and transport cost of goods.
