The arrival of Goundar Shipping’s new fast ferry, the MV Captain Inoke, has been surrounded by controversy due to a delay in the vessel’s survey by Fiji’s licensing authorities. Joeli Cawaki, the CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), confirmed that the vessel will undergo its survey this week.
The delays stemmed from an earlier plan to survey the ferry in Korea, which was disrupted due to political unrest and the subsequent imposition of martial law in the region. George Goundar, managing director of Goundar Shipping, expressed frustration over the situation, blaming both political factors and what he described as jealousy for the delays. He emphasized the high costs associated with keeping the vessel in Korea, amounting to $4,000 daily due to expenses such as labor and wharfage.
Goundar highlighted the efficiency of obtaining documents in Korea or Japan, which typically takes only a few days compared to the extended process with MSAF, which he claims can take four to five months. While the ferry is not yet registered under MSAF, the company has submitted all necessary documentation and is awaiting further action from the authority.
Once regulated, the MV Captain Inoke is expected to serve vital routes including Natovi and Savusavu. Goundar has voiced hopes for a quicker resolution to the licensing and surveying process.
This situation underscores the challenges businesses face in navigating regulatory frameworks, particularly those impacted by unforeseen political events. The hopes of Goundar Shipping, paired with the commitment from MSAF to conduct the survey, suggests a positive outlook for the MV Captain Inoke’s future operations in Fiji’s maritime industry.
Leave a comment