CPA seals power pact with U.S. Navy

With the anticipated arrival of more United States Navy vessels into the Northern Marianas for relaxation and recreational activities, a technical agreement has been sealed with the Commonwealth Ports Authority for the installation of a major source of power at the Saipan International Harbor.

Seaport Manager Tony Cabrera disclosed the agreement, which was recently reached between CPA and the U.S. Navy, paved the road for the installation of two high voltage transformers at the dock site for use by naval vessels.

The original master plan for the Saipan International Harbor excludes the placement of major power sources for vessels docked at the facility, Mr. Cabrera said.

He added that the power sources have been installed without additional cost from the ports authority, mainly because of the technical agreement with the U.S. Navy.

The Navy has earmarked funds under the technical agreement which, aside from the power source, also includes telephone posts, high tension lines, cables and big step-down transformers that will provide power from the ground to the dock site.

The seaport officials said the only participation by the ports agency in the agreement is to assist the U.S. Navy get the power through the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation.

According to Mr. Cabrera, the equipment were shipped into Saipan from Guam. He added the power sources are only temporary and that the service agreement is renewable every year in a two-year period.

The ports authority management is still yet to come up with a final decision on proposals to install a permanent power supply at the newly-rehabilitated Saipan seaport.

At the same time, Mr. Cabrera disclosed the anticipated arrival of another U.S. Navy ship, the Vendegrift, in July which marks the vessel’s fourth visit to the Northern Marianas.

He said the ports authority is also looking forward to the return of USS Columbus, a 362-foot, 6,927-ton undersea vessel which is well equipped to carry out missions that include deployment of special forces, minelaying, precision land attack or anti-submarine or surface warfare while remaining undetected.

The submarine possesses highly accurate sensors, weapon control systems and central computer complexes. It has the ability to get on station quickly and stay for an extended period of time.

Reports obtained disclosed that USS Columbus is armed with sophisticated ADCAP and MARK-48 anti-submarine or ship torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

It is the fifty-first 688 Improved Class and the 12th improved version of this class which includes a vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design for under-ice operations.

With its newly refurbished international harbor on Saipan, CPA is also hoping to lure tourists traveling by sea which is expected to grow by 10 percent within the year.

Officials anticipate a 10 percent increase in the cruise liner industry this year, and a continued growth in the next 20 years. In North America alone, there are 2.5 million travelers. Of this, 80 percent are repeaters and 40 percent go elsewhere to Vancouver, Alaska, Europe, Japan and other regions.

CPA wants the Northern Marianas to be included in the diverse list of cruise itineraries. Executives of three cruise liners in Japan — the Japan Liner, the Mitsue Liner and the NYK Liner — recently visited Saipan for the US Public Health workshop.