The Maritime Safety and Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced that Goundar Shipping Limited’s newly acquired fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, has not yet undergone the required survey and approval process. As a result, the ferry remains classified as a foreign vessel.
The MV Captain Inoke, which arrived in Fiji under a Mongolian flag early on Friday morning, is scheduled to dock at Suva Port at 1pm. MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, explained that the vessel is still on the foreign registry and will not be operational until it is registered by the authority, a procedure that is anticipated to occur next week.
Cawaki mentioned that he has been in communication with Goundar Shipping’s managing director, George Goundar, who is expected to submit the necessary application for registration shortly. Until the vessel is formally registered, it will be unable to operate in the waters of Fiji.
In response to the situation, Goundar acknowledged the foreign registration of the vessel but emphasized that it is owned by a Fijian businessman. He clarified that the vessel was flagged as Mongolian due to logistical challenges in Korea, and that it is currently undergoing needed maintenance and upgrades in Fiji.
Goundar also expressed frustration at the “hate speech” directed toward him from rival firms, but he affirmed his commitment to serving the people of Fiji and continuing his business operations, despite the challenges. He highlighted his significant investment in the vessel, amounting to over $7 million, with another vessel expected to arrive later this year.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding vessel registration and operation in Fiji, as well as the passion and dedication of local business owners like Goundar striving to provide quality service in the maritime industry. As Goundar navigates this bureaucratic process, there is optimism that the arrival of the MV Captain Inoke will contribute positively to the local economy and transportation services in Fiji once all registrations are finalized.
To encourage a productive dialogue moving forward, it would be beneficial for local businesses and authorities to engage in discussions about the challenges posed by bureaucratic processes, ensuring smoother operations in the future.
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