The administrator for the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville says the people are delighted the government is now part owner of an interisland ferry.
The MV Chebu, newly built in China and in service from today (WED), replaces the Rabaul Queen which sank nearly 3 years ago claiming 173 lives, including many Bougainvilleans.
The provincial administrator, Chris Siriosi, says Bougainville is in a joint venture and has paid half the cost of the purchase of the vessel - two point seven million US dollars.
"People of Bougainville are very very happy that after years of struggling with very dangerous, hazardous sea transport, we now have a brand new vessel. So there are a lot of celebrations, happiness. There is a high degree of satisfaction that the government is at last delivering services in the way the people expected."