Company eyes reviving Tinian-Saipan ferry service
Bridge Investment Group chief executive officer Philip Mendiola-Long said their company is looking at reviving the ferry service to and from Saipan—a move that could bring back inter-island commerce between the two islands and breathe life to Tinian’s struggling economy.
The ferry would again connect both islands with commuters having an alternative means of transportation. Right now, anyone going to Tinian has to use STAR Marianas airplanes for their daily commute and transport of goods between Saipan and Tinian.
Mendiola-Long, who topped the race for the Tinian and Aguiguan Municipal Council last week, said that reviving the ferry service is one of BIG’s plans to boost the island’s economic activity and their commitment in helping the community.
“We are investing in Tinian and in the community. One of our projects is the [roll-on/roll-off] ferry and included in that is the ferry terminal,” Mendiola-Long told Saipan Tribune.
He said they plan to begin construction of the ferry terminal either next month or in early January so it would be operational by March or April next year.
“We already bought a 50-meter ferry. It is bigger so it would not…rock if you take the ferry,” added Mendiola-Long.
The previous ferry for both islands was a smaller craft that rocked when hit by waves while traveling the Saipan Strait. Passengers who are not used to sea travel get seasick or throw up despite the less than 30-minute travel time.
Mendiola-Long said the ferry could also transport vehicles “It can fit eight trucks or 20-plus cars.”
He said the ferry service would also increase tourism on Tinian and tour agents could start offering Saipan-Tinian tour packages. “Tourism will also benefit from the ferry aside from an increase in inter-island commerce.”
“If you’re a tourist and want to visit Tinian, you could now drive there. Hop in your car, drive to the ferry terminal on Saipan, load it up, and then you can drive around Tinian. You can be back on Saipan by late afternoon,” said Mendiola-Long. “You visit two islands for the price of one.”
Ferry service to Tinian is usually offered during the three-day Hot Pepper Festival, where Saipan residents join in the festivities. The ferry service to Tinian was halted in 2010 and in 2014 the Department of Public Works decided to call off a feasibility plan of reviving it.
BTW the statement of the size of this vessel and rocking and “sea sickness” is false.
In the 70’s we had “Seaflight” Hydrofoils, that traveled at 50 knots, (on a good day) to run between the Islands. These were eventually sold to Hong Kong as they proved unsustainable on their own AND they were not comfortable in the rough water. (you should have been on the trip to Hong Kong) even with the higher population.
Then in the mid 2000, the ‘Superferry’ (rollon/off) came in to play in Hawaii, they also were not comfortable in rough water. They are also gone now due to many outside problems. The cost was also high for travelers, it was cheaper to take the plane. BUT being able to take your vehicle was a plus instead of a rental car if visiting the outer island for many days.
Point being, even big cruise ships can be affected by the ocean, even the 25000 ton inter-island Hawaii “Love Boats” have caused many to become seasick due to water conditions in the channel..
But agreeable this Tinian ferry would be a good option especially for business people.
So now what happened to the proposed “monorail” ?
Maybe the next Victor and family “scam” will be with Chinese investor to build the bridge between Saipan and Tinan (if they manage to stay out of jail. LOL
Restoring the ferry service is well embraced among the locals there. Although at times bumpy during bad weather…Tinian loves the rides! Successful businessmen are risk takers. Seasickness is one of the thrill…adventures in the open sea!
Yes I fully support the ferry and I do believe that a roll on/off is the way to go.
I was just clarifying whomever gave the info that this 50 meter boat will not roll or react to rough water. During weather, all vessels must adjust their headway according to weather and vessel size anyway which affects the vessel stability.
Sure. Is this is the same company that said they were going to build their casino resorts but never did?
Go to Tinian and see for yourself! Bridge is the biggest employer in the private sector and have 90% local force.. It’s the only company that keeps Tinian alive.
Mr. Long, thanks for your contribution to our community.
That’s solid. 90% local workforce. Having a ferry would greatly help Tinian
They also pay “real” wages (not one job fits all ) and do OJT for their employees.
Good luck keeping that workforce, since the dock is in serious need of dredging AND clearing of UXOs.
Work, work and more work..if we can topple mountains, swam oceans, bring in exclusiveness that’s shelving one island industry to salvage a failed garment industry for the purposes of moving forward and for the greater benefit for all….it’s a mere thought only.
Remember December 13, 1973…. it was high hopes that highlighted the mood of the people at Mt. Carmel church, Saipan. During that historical ceremony, the people truly had faith, hope and believed in American political family… that day Negotiations started.
We must be alarmed of the high cancer rate today on CNMI especially Tinian. Therefore, i have high hopes that the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the leadership should lead the mission to start cleaning all the UXO’s, chemicals and WWII garbage! Hope keeps you smiling!
Mr. Long is a smart person and according to our research, such venture is doable via federal grants and subsidies. Our elected few are clueless on such venture
Yers, I am very familiar with Phil.
Federal grants and subsidies require many years of management and maintenance on the part of the grantee. If a project lasts more than an administration I could foresee Tinian getting red marks on their reporting and deemed ineligible for grant funding for a few years. I’d be wary of long-term agreements w federal funding agencies unless the primary grantee is a CNMI agency.
Is Bridge the same Bridge that has an office in North Garapan? Yeah, I read in the paper a while back that it is going to build a casino on Tinian, and I thought that was great. But Dynasty is down, and still the other casino is not up. What’s up? What about the cable car proposal? But this ferry is great is it is forthcoming. I hope it does to ease the transportation problem for the Tinian people. Mayor San Nicolas, pitch in and help.
Bridge Investment Group =/= Bridge Capital. Very different.
Also, what could the Mayor do to help the situation other than to push any government requirements once the process of implementing the service has already begun? The private sector needs to take this one for sure.