The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) confirmed the urgent supply run, stating that the voyage would carry only fuel, gas and food.

Until recently, residents managed using solar power, but Tropical Cyclone Wati affected this, causing the island to exhaust its diesel stock.

Responding to the island’s urgent need, the Ministry shared on its social media page that the newly constructed, government-owned passenger and cargo ship MV Tuitui Moana would depart Rarotonga on October 22 carrying much-needed essentials.

Pukapuka-Nassau re-elected Member of Parliament Tingika Elikana said he was pleased with the government’s response in sending the MV Tuitui Moana to address the critical diesel shortage on both Pukapuka and Nassau.

Elikana said that the process would also replenish food and gas supplies, “as the last trip for supplies for both islands was way back in July.”

MFEM, in response to Cook Islands News queries said the proposed voyage to Pukapuka and Nassau is being treated as an ‘urgent supply run’ because ‘the island has now run out of diesel’.

The Ministry said that prior to Tropical Cyclone Wati, diesel stocks were already low; however, the island was able to supplement its power supply through its solar system.

“TC Wati changed that situation by disrupting the output of the solar system. With reduced solar generation and diesel stocks now exhausted, there is an immediate need for an emergency supply of diesel to keep the island’s generators operating and maintain essential power supply.”

MFEM said, “The MV Tuitui Moana voyage is therefore being organised to respond to this immediate need rather than wait for the next scheduled commercial shipping service.

“The voyage will also provide an opportunity to transport food, gas and other essential supplies required by Pukapuka and Nassau.”

“This will be the MV Tuitui Moana’s first operational voyage to the Pa Enua.”

Asked about the crew, MFEM said they would ensure that the vessel’s safe-manning requirements are fully met for the voyage, ensuring the vessel has the appropriate crew complement to safely undertake the voyage to Pukapuka and Nassau.

“This emergency run also demonstrates the importance of having a Government vessel available to respond when the Pa Enua face disruptions to regular supply arrangements or urgent needs.

“The immediate priority is to ensure the communities of Pukapuka and Nassau have access to the fuel and other essential supplies they need,” MFEM added.

Elikana said he was humbled that the MV Tuitui Moana maiden voyage will be to both these islands for humanitarian grounds.

Meanwhile, according to MFEM’s recent energy update, the global situation remained tight.

The National Energy Response Framework that outlines how the Cook Islands will respond at each stage of the ongoing global fuel crisis was activated in May this year, giving the community an indication of what government was doing during this global fuel supply crises.

The energy update as of October 15 showed that Rarotonga has a sufficient supply of all fuels as further shipments are expected to arrive.

Aitutaki also has sufficient supply of diesel and supply of diesel for electricity. However, petrol supply is lower. Further shipments are expected to arrive.

For the Pa Enua, diesel supply for electricity is as follows:

· Pukapuka: No diesel – solar power only

· Atiu: Awaiting update

· Rakahanga, Palmerston, Manihiki, Penrhyn, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Mauke: Adequate supply