Completed Development AidData Chinese Aid

Chinese Government provides grant for Chief Malio Cargo-Passenger Ship Construction Project (Linked to Record ID#40012)

Funder	Unspecified Chinese Government Institution
Recipient Organization	Government of Micronesia, Federated States of
Country	Micronesia
Start Date	Jan 01, 2002
End Date	Feb 12, 2029
Duration	9,904 days
Number of Grantees	1
Roles	Recipient
Data Source	AidData Chinese Aid
Grant ID	`64190`

Grant Description

In 2004 and 2007, the Chinese Government donated two dual-purpose (cargo-passenger) ships to the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia: the Chief Malio (as captured via Record ID#64190) and the Hapilmohol 1 (as captured via Record ID#40029).

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), in December 2002, the FSM Minister of Infrastructure traveled to Wuhan shipyard and agreed on the design of the Chief Malio vessel (also known as the Chuuk vessel).

By the time the FSM President Urusemal visited China in late March 2004, he was able to inspect this ship's construction progress and discuss plans for the second ship, the Hapilmohol 1. The Chief Mailo vessel was originally expected to launch in June 2004 and be presented to FSM in September 2004.

However, the ship did not arrive in Chuuk until October 3, 2004 and the official handover ceremony took did not take place until October 8, 2004. The vessel subsequently had to halt its operations due to frequent breakdowns and poor fuel efficiency.

The Chinese Government later funded repairs to this ship in 2009/10 with a grant worth RMB 14.5 million (as captured via Record ID#40012)

📋 Staff Comments

This project is also known as the Chuuk Cargo-Passenger Ship Construction Project. The Chinese project title is 600吨客货两用船Chief Mailo号 or 援密客货两用船项目.The commitment year (2002) is estimated based on the fact that discussions with the donor (MOFCOM) about the design of the vessel were already underway in December 2002. However, an FSM Government source refers to a ‘technical assistance program’ in which the Chinese Government agreed to fund and build two vessels for Micronesia (see: Apr. '04 Gov. of FSM). This issue requires further investigation.

📚 Sources & References

Review of China-FSM 20 Years Dilpmatic Relations
President Urusemal strengthens bilateral ties during China visit
President Mori Participates in Bilateral Meetings with the US
China and Korea
我援密600吨客货两用船顺利抵密，交接仪式隆重举行
Chuuk dedicates MS Chief Mailo
李杰大使会见我援密联邦客货两用船考察组
The China donated MS CHIEF MAILO vessel handed over to the FSM
PREPARATORY SURVEY REPORT ON THE PROJECT FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DOMESTIC SHIPPING SERVICES IN THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
Chuuk dedicates MS Chief Mailo
中国对外开放30周年回顾展 Loan applications and disbursements are still being received and processed as the projects continue to evolve. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are in place to ensure project continuity.