The recent arrival of Goundar Shipping’s new fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, has sparked controversy due to its lack of survey by Fiji’s licensing authorities. Joeli Cawaki, the CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), confirmed that the vessel is scheduled to undergo an inspection this week.
Cawaki explained that the vessel was originally supposed to be surveyed in Korea; however, political unrest in the region, which has resulted in martial law, prevented that from happening. This unexpected situation forced Goundar Shipping’s managing director, George Goundar, to express his frustration over what he described as political interference and “jealousy.”
Goundar elaborated that keeping the vessel in Korea had been financially burdensome, costing him approximately $4,000 each day due to various expenses such as labor and crew wages. He stated that while extensive documentation was required in Korea and Japan—and could be completed in mere days—MSAF’s processes take significantly longer, sometimes four to five months.
Despite these setbacks, Goundar remains optimistic about the ferry’s future, as it is intended to operate on routes including Natovi and Savusavu. He expressed hope that the necessary surveying and licensing would be completed “sooner rather than later,” allowing the ferry to begin serving its planned routes without further delay.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by maritime operators amid unforeseen political landscapes, but also underscores the resilience of businesses like Goundar Shipping that seek to contribute to regional transportation solutions. With the promise of swift resolution in the surveys, the new ferry could soon enhance connectivity and travel options for Fiji’s communities.
In summary, while the MV Captain Inoke’s arrival has faced complications, proactive dialogue and swift actions could pave the way for its successful integration into Fiji’s maritime network, benefiting both investors and local passengers.
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