The Tongan Government says it is very concerned about shipping services for the outer islands and has called for an update from the government agency which operates the service after the MV Olovaha broke down earlier this week.
The ship limped back to Nuku'alofa after breaking down on a trip to Vava'u on Monday evening.
It left on the voyage later on Tuesday following repairs.
Cabinet wants the Board of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, which is chaired by the Minister of Justice, to submit a report to next week's Cabinet meeting on the physical status of the MV Olovaha.
It has called for the agency to outline its fall-back position for the inter-island service should the Olovaha break down again.
The Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele, says the Government will do its best to ensure services to the outer islands are maintained.
