The Cook Islands Government (CIG) has approved and released its Domestic Shipping Policy, a new framework to guide the planning, operation and oversight of Government-owned and operated shipping services connecting Rarotonga with the Pa Enua. The Policy was approved by Cabinet on 4 June 2026. The Policy applies to CIG-owned and operated vessels and services. It does not impose new obligations or requirements on private sector shipping operators, who will continue to operate u

The Command Team and delivery crew aboard Tuitui Moana completed a simulated emergency fire drill on 29 July 2026 while the vessel was underway approximately 50 nautical miles north of Western Papua. The planned exercise tested the crew’s ability to respond to a potential fire onboard while at sea. It included activating emergency procedures, communicating between different areas of the vessel, preparing the vessel’s firefighting systems and ensuring each crew member understo

Three men from Pukapuka have arrived in Rarotonga to begin preparations for their roles as deckhands aboard the Cook Islands’ new passenger and cargo vessel, Tuitui Moana. The new deckhands are: Mozela Teiho-Tua Tokoiva Ruarau Takuria Patakuria Their arrival is another important step in preparing the Cook Islands crew who will support the vessel once it arrives home and enters service. As part of their preparation, the three deckhands will travel to New Zealand to undertake S