The introduction of Goundar Shipping’s new fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, has faced scrutiny as it reportedly has not yet been surveyed by Fiji’s maritime licensing authorities. Joeli Cawaki, the CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), stated that an inspection of the vessel is scheduled for this week.
Cawaki explained that the initial plan was to survey the ferry while it was in Korea. However, due to a political uprising that led to martial law in the region, the survey could not take place. George Goundar, the managing director of Goundar Shipping, expressed his frustration over this situation, noting that the prolonged stay of the vessel in Korea was financially burdensome. He highlighted the significant daily costs associated with the ship’s stay, which amounted to about $4,000. According to Goundar, obtaining necessary documentation in Korea or Japan usually takes only a few days, while the process with MSAF could take months.
Despite the challenges, Goundar remains hopeful for a swift completion of the vessel’s surveying and licensing process, emphasizing the importance of the ferry for connecting routes such as Natovi and Savusavu.
This situation underlines the complexities faced by shipping companies operating in a global environment, especially amid local political challenges. The urgency of this matter also reflects the importance of efficient regulatory processes to support the maritime industry and ensure safe transport services for communities.
It’s important to recognize that challenges can lead to positive changes in processes, and hopefully, this will encourage faster regulatory practices in the future, facilitating smoother operations for maritime businesses.
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