MV Tuitui Moana Arrives Home in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands’ new passenger and cargo vessel, MV Tuitui Moana, has arrived safely in Rarotonga following the successful completion of its delivery voyage from China.

The vessel arrived at Avatiu Harbour on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, after travelling from Nansha, Guangzhou, through Cebu in the Philippines, Lae in Papua New Guinea, and Suva in Fiji.

A welcome ceremony was held at Avatiu Harbour, attended by Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the House of Ariki, representatives of the Pa Enua, government officials, diplomatic representatives, maritime stakeholders and members of the public.

The arrival marks the completion of a major phase of the project and an important step in establishing a Cook Islands Government domestic shipping capability.

At 43.9 metres in length, MV Tuitui Moana has capacity for up to 12 passengers and approximately 100 tonnes of cargo. The vessel has been purpose-built to support inter-island operations in the Cook Islands.

Once all required clearances, inspections and operational checks have been completed, the vessel will support the movement of passengers and essential cargo between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. This may include food, fuel, building materials, machinery, household goods and other supplies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Brown said the vessel would strengthen connections between the islands and support the social and economic wellbeing of Pa Enua communities.

“Every tonne of cargo this vessel carries, and every passenger it brings safely home, is an investment in a more connected, more resilient, and more equitable nation.”

Financial Secretary Garth Henderson said

"In many respects, today is the beginning.

The greater challenge is not bringing a vessel home. It is operating her safely, efficiently and reliably for many years to come.

As the MV Tuitui Moana arrives at her home port, I hope we recognise what she represents.

She represents an investment in our Pa Enua. She represents greater resilience for our country. She represents our determination to improve the safety and reliability of domestic shipping. And she represents our belief that people living throughout the Cook Islands should have reasonable access to the transport services necessary to sustain their communities and develop their economies."

The Government also recognises the important role already played by private shipping operators in supporting communities and businesses across the Cook Islands. 

The establishment of a Government shipping capability is intended to complement the wider domestic maritime sector and strengthen overall national shipping resilience.

MFEM has led the procurement and initial establishment of the Government’s shipping capability. The initial operating period will provide Government with practical information on vessel operations, demand, costs, crewing, maintenance, vessel availability and service reliability.

This information will help inform future decisions on the most appropriate long-term arrangements for domestic shipping services.

The Government will continue to consider a range of operating models as experience is gained, including direct Government operation, contracted services, partnerships with the private sector, a state-owned enterprise, or a combination of these approaches.

The initial operating period is therefore intended to establish capability, gather reliable Cook Islands-specific information and assess the most effective and sustainable arrangements for the future.

The Government’s objective is to support a safe, reliable and financially responsible domestic shipping system that serves Pa Enua communities while recognising the contribution and role of private-sector operators.

MV Tuitui Moana was delivered under the 2024 Technical Agreement between the Governments of the Cook Islands and the People’s Republic of China. The project was jointly funded, with each government contributing US$1.5 million.

The Cook Islands Government acknowledges, with sincere appreciation, the support of the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China towards sustainable maritime connectivity and the Cook Islands’ broader economic development, delivering tangible benefits for all Cook Islanders.

Appreciation is also extended to the shipbuilders and technical teams in Guangxi, the delivery crew, government agencies, maritime authorities, advisers, and service providers whose collective expertise, dedication, and contribution made possible the successful construction, delivery, and arrival of this vessel.

Special recognition is extended to the Major Projects and Procurement Support Division within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration through the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington, for their joint efforts in advancing this project from concept through to delivery.

The Major Projects and Procurement Support Division led the planning, procurement, coordination and operational preparations required to bring the project to fruition, while the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington worked extensively with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, supporting engagement across the political and economic dimensions of our bilateral relationship with China. Together, their coordinated efforts have been instrumental in progressing this important initiative.

MV Tuitui Moana will now complete the required local clearances, inspections and operational checks before entering inter-island service.

Further information on the vessel’s operating arrangements and initial shipping schedule will be released once these requirements have been completed. 

For more information, please contact Louis Enoka.

Major Projects and Procurement Support Division Ministry of Finance and Economic Management louis.enoka@cookislands.gov.ck