First of the “Super Alia” hits the water

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Construction of the first of the four “Super Alia” or “Alia Tele” by Armstrong Consolidated Inc. (ACI) the boat building facility in Washington state, is completed, with the vessel undergoing sea trials.

The photos posted this week on the ASG’s Commerce Department Facebook page, provides an update on the government’s Super Alia project. Among the photos posted, one has the caption: “Our first Super Alia is out on mechanical sea trial this week. More to come regarding this project.”

Other photos released late last week by DOC show the first of the alia being lowered into the sea for the first time. DOC says the first of the four alias is to be delivered to American Samoa over the next year and a half. 

The first of the four Super Alia, lowered into the sea for the first time, after construction was completed by Armstrong Consolidated Inc. (ACI) the boat building facility in Washington state. [photo: DOC Facebook]

DOC had previously announced that the first vessel would be utilized as a training platform and key to supporting workforce development in the fishing industry. And that the first of four super alias is expected to be delivered by mid-year, 2023.

The “American Samoa Motu Lipoti” prepared by staff of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and presented at last month’s 195th Council Meeting held in the territory, includes a summary of progress on the Super Alia project.

The Motu Lipoti - or Island Report - said that construction of the first Super Alia vessel is still on track for completion in July as scheduled. “Preparations for shipping the vessel are currently underway. Additionally, construction activities for the remaining three vessels are also in progress, indicating steady advancement towards their completion,” it says.

The report also says that DOC is actively developing a comprehensive training program. “To ensure a well-rounded curriculum,” the DOC has engaged with the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR). Furthermore, the DOC is making progress in securing master fishermen who will provide valuable support and contribute their skills to the training program.

And in a recent announcement, the DOC revealed the receipt of a $200,000 grant from the U.S Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (DOI OIA). This grant is specifically intended to support the training and business incubation program.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2020 awarded $4.4 million for the Super Alia project, which the previous Administration had touted as the “future commercial fishing vessel” that can go further out at sea and stay out longer fishing than the current traditional alias.

Early this year, Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga told lawmakers that the “4 modern and upgraded catamaran commercial fishing vessels” - the super alia, will support the growth of the local fishing fleet.

This photo posted on the Commerce Department Facebook page on Tuesday, shows the first Super Alia boat (front) during sea testing off the coast of Washington state. [photo: DOC facebook]

“One vessel will function as a training platform while the other 3 vessels will function as business incubators,” the governor said and noted that the project outcomes intend improved diversification of the economy, creation of jobs and economic opportunities, workforce development, and the long-term sustainability of the fresh fish industry.