The Institution is getting younger

Here is a very improbable title especially in New Caledonia… but the Institution in question is not that which one believes.

It is none other than the old Ouaième ferry.

“… Between two shores, time passes… /… whatever the season, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, the last Caledonian ferry crosses the Ouaïème at the sound of its engines. A bridge between two ages. … /… In his orange outfit, Elie is waiting for the customer. Like him, there are five of them to turn in three shifts, from 24 to 6 pm, from 14 to 14 pm and from 22 to 22. Sitting at the edge of the water or leaning on the railing of the ferry, he watches for the horn, the signal for departure. …. (Extract from Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes - 16/09/2006)

After being towed by the sea from Nouméa and an eventful entry into the Ouaième, the new ferry is now in service.

Its official inauguration should take place before the end of the month.