Polynesian canoe built in NZ delivered to Saipan

Okeanos Marianas, a 15 metre, double-hulled Polynesian canoe built in New Zealand, completed its delivery voyage to Saipan in the Northern Marianas this week.

Built at a cost of over $US500,000 by Okeanos Sustainable Sea Transport Ltd, the vessel is being eyed for commercial transport between Saipan to the northern islands.

The Saipan community is expected to learn from the vessel about the region's long-lost seafaring tradition.

The 6,440 kilometre journey from Auckland to Saipan took 40 days and included a multi-national crew from France, Italy, the United States, and the CNMI.