Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and members of the inspection delegation stand in front of the Aurora V ferry at Polaris Marine in Yamba, New South Wales. Photo: Supplied

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has inspected the Aurora V ferry while repair and modification work continues at Polaris Marine in Yamba, New South Wales.

The vessel is currently on a slipway for dry-docking, with the inspection intended to give the Government and Samoa Ports Authority a direct assessment of its structural condition, repair progress and current operational state.

The delegation was briefed on the scope of the work, quality assurance measures and the expected timeline for completion. The inspection also focused on ensuring the repairs are completed in accordance with contractual requirements and applicable maritime safety standards.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Associate Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure Taituave Captain Valoaga Taatiti Iona, Samoa Ports Authority board chairman Papalii Willie Nansen and chief executive Ti’amamana Captain Foetutasi Fa’amausili.

Representatives from Sea Transport, the vessel’s seller, and Sealease also took part in the inspection.

The Government said Samoa Ports Authority, Polaris Marine and Sea Transport would continue working together to address any issues arising during the repair programme.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa expressed confidence in the repair team but said the main priority remained the full completion of the required work and compliance with national and international maritime safety requirements.

A final decision on the ferry’s future operational role has not yet been announced. The press release also did not provide a confirmed completion date or the total cost of the repairs.

This article is based on information released by the Samoa Ports Authority on 9 July 2026.