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Tinian to pursue own drydock
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Posted on Apr 19 2006
The Tinian Shipping & Transportation will pursue its proposed construction of a drydock facility on Tinian, although Saipan is likely to have two within the year.
“We will continue with our own project,” said Tom Liu, general manager of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, which operates Tinian Shipping.
The company wants to invest $1 million to build its own drydock facility on Tinian to ensure the immediate repair of its vessels.
On Saipan, Marianas Shipyard is expected to begin its operations within six months.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has also signed an agreement with STA Ocean Shipbuilding Marianas Inc. for a barge manufacturing business on Saipan.
“We’ll see what happens. But at this time, we’re determined to continue with our project,” said Liu.
In its presentation to the CPA board last February, Tinian Shipping cited that due to the lack of a drydock a facility, it could not repair its damaged ferry, Tinian Express, which ran aground in October last year.
This leaves the company with only one ferry, Saipan Express, to ply the route between Tinian and Saipan twice a day.
He said the only alternative now is to bring the damaged vessel to either mainland China or Hong Kong, which would be very costly.
The proposed facility would be open to other vessels under 160 tons for repair, inspection, and maintenance.
