Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Friday, February 08, 2013

GPPC makes available Saipan-made ship for Rota

GPPC Inc. has been doing infrastructure and CIP construction projects in Rota for many years. The company has always found shipping to be a challenge, as there were times when the regular shipping service cannot make any port call to Rota for several months. This is due to the hazardous condition of the channel leading into the Rota West Harbor main port, preventing ships from docking.

Constant cancellation of port calls prevent badly needed construction materials and equipments from being brought into Rota. This in turn delayed GPPC’s projects. For instance, there has been no shipping service to Rota for over the past two months. GPPC’s ongoing Bird Sanctuary Road project has delayed due to the company's inability to ship materials and equipments to Rota.

These ongoing challenges lead GPPC to conclude that it needed a smaller vessel that can navigate and dock at the Rota East Harbor. Two years ago, GPPC proceeded with the design and construction of a landing craft style ship right here on Saipan, the MV Jayden.

“We believe this is the first time for such an undertaking in the CNMI, and recently made a trial voyage to Rota to bring much needed materials and equipments for our construction projects,” the company said in a statement.

Due to the ongoing Rota shipping woes, GPPC has received many requests from Rota residents and businesses to offer commercial cargo service as well. As a result of the overwhelming requests, GPPC is planning to offer such services, in addition to supporting its projects.

“We believe this will help the people of Rota alleviate some of their shipping problems. The details are still being worked out and we look forward to the support and cooperation of the local authorities to bring this service to the people of Rota,” the company said. (PR)