Delap, Majuro (January 8, 2026) – The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) hosted a formal handover ceremony Wednesday January 7, 2026 on the ground floor of the MIMRA Headquarters in Delap, marking the official transfer of two brand-new twin transport vessels, MS Bikar and MS Bokak, donated by the Government of Japan to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) under Japan’s Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Program.
The ceremony featured the christening and blessing of the vessels, led by Father Sefo of the Cathedral of the Assumption, signifying their readiness to serve the people of the Marshall Islands.
Following the blessing, His Excellency Mr. Hirohisa Soma, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, delivered remarks highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of the vessels. Ambassador Soma emphasized their role in strengthening maritime connectivity between outer islands and the main hubs of Ebeye and Majuro, supporting fish distribution, emergency response, and logistical operations, while also promoting sustainable fisheries and improving livelihoods in the outer islands.
Ambassador Soma also reflected on the longstanding partnership between Japan and the Marshall Islands, noting that cooperation began with landmark projects such as the construction of the Majuro Bridge and continues today through initiatives such as the donation of these vessels.
I hope that the vessels handed over today will further strengthen the maritime connectivity in the Marshall Islands and contribute to social and economic development…
Remarks on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands were delivered by the Honorable Mr. Anthony M. Muller, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, who expressed sincere appreciation to the People and Government of Japan for their longstanding and ongoing support. Minister Muller underscored the importance of the vessels to national fisheries development, stating:
…the handover of these two transport vessels will strengthen the conservation and management of our aquatic resources while expanding income and livelihoods opportunities through sustainable coastal fisheries…
With the addition of MS Bikar and MS Bokak, MIMRA will enhance its ability to service neighboring atolls nationwide, improving access to markets and services through Ebeye and Majuro.
The formal presentation of the vessel keys was conducted by H.E. Mr. Hirohisa Soma, and received by H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, Hon. Minister Anthony M. Muller, and MIMRA Acting Director Ms. Berry Muller.
The vessels are named after Bikar Atoll and Bokak Atoll, the Marshall Islands’ first National Sanctuary, encompassing approximately 48,000 square kilometers (18,500 square miles). They will be operated by the Outer Island Fish Market Center and the Kwajalein Fish Market Center, and will join MIMRA’s existing fleet currently operating in support of national fisheries and maritime services.
This handover represents another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Japan and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, reinforcing shared commitments to sustainable development, food security, and resilient island communities.