M/V Luta prepares for maiden voyage to NMI
M/V Luta is preparing for its first trans-Pacific voyage to the CNMI from its current port in Louisiana.
Senate President Victor Hocog (R-Rota) hosted a meeting on Thursday with the owners of the vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard, the mayor of Rota, and other lawmakers to discuss the impending arrival of the vessel.
A statement from Hocog’s office said the meeting discussed the final modifications for M/V Luta as it prepares for international crossing and for interisland cargo service.
A christening ceremony is also set before the voyage.
According to the statement, Lt. Commander T.D. Harre, Chief of Prevention, has voiced concerns about the dangerous water conditions at the mouth of Rota harbor that needed immediate action, but a request has already been made to the Commonwealth Ports Authority for the necessary repairs.
In September 2014, Japanese businessman Takahisa Yamamoto invested a minimum of $1.6 million in a retrofitted cargo and passenger ship that will bring passengers, agricultural goods, and other consumer items to and from Rota, Saipan, Tinian, the Northern Islands, and Guam.
Yamamoto, from Osaka, Japan, owns Luta Mermaid LLC, the main business of which is to operate M/V Luta, a cargo and passenger ship.
“Luta” is other name for “Rota,” where the cargo ship will be home-ported.
The 150-foot long, 500-ton cargo ship is currently in Louisiana awaiting a certificate of inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard. The ship can accommodate 18 passengers and can carry up to 28 20-foot containers.
Hocog, who has helped Yamamoto realize his plan to further develop Rota, said having a cargo ship home-ported on Rota will reduce freight costs and lower the price of commodities.
Hocog said the company plans to provide farmers initial free freight costs to Guam “to realize more of their profits.”
The senator said this cargo ship will also be the “answer” to Rota’s longstanding problem of food and other commodities shortage every time barges cannot go into the port because of rough seas.
When is this ship supposed to leave LA? Who should I talk to about maybe being part of the crew for the trans-pacific trip?
You may need a merchant seaman card depending on the vessel certification. Besides the Coast Guard, the insurance company may also require it as this is a transoceanic voyage.
Also, depending on just what certification and restrictions this vessel is licensed under, it may be restricted to carrying passengers on this particular trip.
I am sure that there is a long list of people that want to take the trip. Another thing it may sound exiting but after a few days away from the site of land and also rough water, many cannot handle it and there is no turning back.
I’m licensed, it’s the reason why I asked the question about crewing. That is still really good information to get out so, thanks for the reply!
Do you know anyone involved with crewing this ship?
Not a drivers license Che, a mariners license is needed! However, if you have a CNMI dog license you just might qualify.
I prefer to troll the water for fish, its way more fun than trolling Saipantribune.com for personal entertainment.
Ai Adai chelu,
It is an opportunity of a life time and if you need a dog license to qualify so be it. It is good to be critical in our lives at time, but not all the time.
Chelu, you have not respond to our organization’s offer. We have extra rooms to accommodate you to attend college or university in our area. Rent free as long as you are attending any secondary institution of higher learning within the city.
“It is best to give than receive.”
Si Yu’us Ma’ase, oh no, see you later alligator.
So… Any info for licensed people that want to Crew the ship?
Buenas Cuellar,
I happen to know the chief engineer on the MV Luta’s Maiden voyage to the CNMI and I think the crews needed are already been selected. Are you donating your time or do you want to get paid for your services as a crew?
Also, I am going to be one of the crew members on this trip and it is schedule for late March or early April departure from the Bayou State.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase
I’m licensed as a Third Officer on unlimited tonnage…while I’d like to volunteer my time, I still have bills that I need to pay… and at the very least, get back to my home port in NY…. I thought that crewing this boat might be nice because I could visit family in Saipan afterward.
If you guys get any USEFUL info to post, I’d really like to hear about it.
Thanks!
Man, I posted a reply here yesterday, but it never went up…maybe it was too long?
That’s cool that you are making the trip. Do you know the C/E because your an engineer? Or are you a deckie? How long have you been sailing?
I grew up in Saipan and thought that if I helped bring the ship to the CNMI, I could see my family afterward…
As much as I’d like to volunteer my time, I’ve got to pay my bills, I also need to get back to my home port (NY). I don’t know how the USCG is going to deal with LUTA’s COI as far as crewing the vessel for regular service (coastwise) vs. the one time trip to the CNMI. But if you hear that they need a 3rd Mate, or an extra AB, I’d really like to make the trip. My license is unlimited. I also have a GMDSS operator’s license, and just got VSO.
Thanks!
Buenas Che Cuellar,
The Chief Engineer for this trip would be arriving from the CNMI tomorrow (Sunday) and I would ask him. He is going straight to Louisiana and I would be meeting up with him in Arizona. The Coast Guard is doing the final inspection on the vessel prior to its departure late March or early April.
The owners of such vessel have the last say on who are crewing the maiden voyage and I can’t promise you anything. As soon as I touch base with the Chief Engineer, I would post a message on this blog on how you can get a hold of us in the United States.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase
That sounds great! Thanks so much. I hope that I can help out.