The MS Bikar is hoisted at the start of its trip from Japan to the Marshall Islands. The MS Bokak awaits its turn. Photo: Takuma Takyama.
Two new transport vessels donated by Japan for the outer islands are expected to arrive later this month.
MIMRA Director Glen Joseph said the two new vessels are named Bikar and Bokak after the two northern atolls that have been the subject of major marine surveys over recent years and are now part of a National Marine Sanctuary.
They will replace older transport vessels that MIMRA has used for many years, he said.
“Their estimated time of arrival is November 21,” said Chief of Coastal Fisheries Benedict Yamamura. “Training for new crew members is scheduled for December 11-17.”
He said the handover ceremony is planned for the early part of January.
These vessels are provided by Japan under its Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Program.
“Their primary purpose is to enhance transportation capabilities for fishing communities,” said Yamamura. “They will be utilized to transport supplies to these communities and facilitate the purchase and collection of fish and food products from fishers and community members, transporting them back to the market centers for sale.”
The vessels will be stationed at the urban fish market centers in Majuro and Ebeye, providing additional transportation between these centers and the outer island sites.
