The Maritime Safety and Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced that Goundar Shipping Limited’s recently acquired Fast Ferry, MV Captain Inoke, is awaiting a thorough survey and registration by the authority. Currently, the vessel is recognized as a foreign ship, having arrived in Fiji on a Mongolian flag early Friday morning, with plans to dock at Suva Port later that day.
According to MSAF’s CEO, Joweli Cawaki, the MV Captain Inoke cannot operate in Fiji waters until it has been officially registered, a process that is anticipated to take place next week. Cawaki confirmed that communication has been established with George Goundar, the managing director of Goundar Shipping Limited, and an application for the vessel’s registration is expected shortly.
In response, Goundar acknowledged that while the ferry is listed under the Fiji Revenue Customs Authority as a foreign vessel, he emphasized that it is owned by a registered Fijian businessman. He explained that the change in registration to a Mongolian flag was necessitated by political issues in Korea, where the vessel was originally brought from. Goundar committed to performing necessary maintenance and upgrades on the ferry upon its arrival in Fiji to ensure its operational readiness.
Despite facing criticism from competitors, Goundar reaffirmed his dedication to serving the people of Fiji and moving forward with his business endeavors. He expressed optimism about the future of his shipping operations, mentioning significant investments in both the MV Captain Inoke and another vessel expected in mid-2024.
This situation highlights the challenges that come with integrating new vessels into Fiji’s maritime framework, but also underscores Goundar’s perseverance and commitment to enhancing regional transportation. With the vessel’s registration and upgrades on the horizon, there is hope for better connectivity and services for Fijians once the necessary procedures are completed.
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