The 7th of September 2026 marks an important calendar for the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources which completed the signing of the Certificate of Receipt for 'MV Tebukibaene' the Fish Collection vessel. The signing conducted between Secretary of MFOR and Mr Yoshio Isozaki, a representative of the Shipbuilding Research Center of Japan responsible for the delivery of the vessel to Kiribati.
The brand-new Fish Collection vessel built in Japan of 32 meters has arrived safety at Betio port on the 3rd of September,2026. The vessel equipped with cooling systems to support the collection of fish from the outer islands.
The project supported through the Japan Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant aid for Economic and Sustainable Development Programme (ESDP). The Collection Vessel Project is part of the Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources major project which contributes immensely towards the achievement of the Government Manifesto in addressing maximization of returns from the fisheries. Under this key project, it contributes and embraces partnerships with artisanal fishers in harvesting and exporting fisheries to diverse opportunities to enhance food security and poverty alleviation.
The Ministry sincerely extends words of gratitude to the Japan Government for the delivery of this project to Kiribati. As the vessel arrived, this week ongoing trainings for the operation and maintenance of the vessel forms part of the delivery to Kiribati. Stay tune for the upcoming official handing over ceremony earmarked for next week once training completed.