Aceh Besar, Aceh (ANTARA) - Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah joined a maiden voyage of KMP Aceh Hebat 1, a roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) ship, from the Port of Calang, Aceh Jaya District, to Sinabang City's Kolok Port, Simeulue District, on Feb 2.

"This is a special voyage to introduce the ro-ro vessel to the people of Simeulue," Iriansyah remarked.

The 2,441-gross tonnage (GT) ship, capable of carrying 250 passengers and 33 vehicles of different categories, is expected to improve the mobility of people and goods to and from Simeuleu Island in Aceh Province, he stated.

The ro-ro vessel, measuring 70 meters in length and 15 meters in width, also aims to boost connectivity between the province's western and southern coasts and Simeulue Island, he remarked.

Equipped with good facilities, the KMP Aceh Hebat 1 is expected to help boost the economy of Simeulue islanders, he affirmed.

Speaking in connection with this ro-ro ship's operation, Simuelue District Head Erli Hasim expressed gratitude to Governor Nova Iriansyah to help in solving the problems of connectivity between Simeulue Island and Aceh's land areas in Sumatra Island.

The people of Simeulue had awaited a ro-ro ship to become operational to cater to their requirements, so that it is perceived as "the best gift" for them, he stated.
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Translator: M.Ifdhal, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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