Goundar Shipping Services has announced plans to sell three of its vessels this year amidst a challenging downturn in the shipping industry in Fiji. The company’s director, George Goundar, expressed concern over the bleak future of inter-island shipping, highlighting the growing obstacles that threaten services to maritime islands.
Goundar described the state of the shipping industry in Fiji as “slowly dying,” attributing this grim outlook to rising operational costs and a significant decline in business activities. He indicated that the business has dropped by 30 percent over the past four years, intensifying the strain on shipping operators who are already facing increasing fuel and labor costs.
The director noted that despite public perceptions of Goundar Shipping being too expensive, the operational costs associated with running vessels are substantial. “Yes, it’s expensive. Running ships are expensive,” he acknowledged, adding that many ships are now sailing with lower cargo loads contributing to the financial burden on the company.
Mr. Goundar emphasized the necessity for government intervention, urging authorities to assess the shipping sector and consider measures aimed at enhancing its operations and sustainability. Currently, Goundar Shipping operates a fleet of 14 vessels and plans to offload LP 1, LP 3, and its tanker by 2026.
While the challenges faced by Goundar Shipping Services are significant, the call for government support presents an opportunity for potential improvement within the industry. This situation could encourage collaborative efforts aimed at revitalizing the sector, offering hope for a more sustainable future for maritime transport in Fiji.
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