Agriculture Ministry Delivers MV Palm Ferry to Buvuma with International Fund Support.

In a move to enhance water transportation infrastructure, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) entered into a contract with M/S Songoro Marine Limited on December 24, 2018. The agreement aimed to design, build, supply, and deliver a ferry for the Buvuma region.

Following months of planning and construction, the ferry design and construction works commenced on June 24, 2019. Finally, on February 23, 2023, the project reached its completion as the fully constructed MV Palm ferry was successfully delivered to Portbell.

The acquisition of MV Palm was made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in collaboration with the National Oil Palm Project, with support from the international Fund for Agricultural Development. The Ministry of Works and Transport will oversee the management of the ferry.

With a gross weight of 665 metric tons, the MV Palm has a carrying capacity of 239 metric tons, providing seating for 519 passengers and accommodating up to 25 vehicles. Propelled by four engines, each boasting a power of 235 kilowatts, the ferry is poised to facilitate efficient water transportation in the region.