Fiji’s New Ferry Faces Survey Hurdles: What’s Next?

The Maritime Safety and Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced that Goundar Shipping Limited’s new Fast Ferry, the MV Captain Inoke, has not yet been surveyed or approved for local operation. This means that, for the time being, the ferry is still classified as a foreign vessel.

The MV Captain Inoke, which arrived in Fiji sporting a Mongolian flag early Friday morning, was scheduled to dock at Suva Port later that day. Joweli Cawaki, the CEO of MSAF, clarified that the vessel remains registered under foreign status and emphasized that it cannot operate until it secures the necessary registration from local authorities, which is anticipated to occur next week.

Mr. Cawaki confirmed that he has been in communication with Goundar Shipping Limited’s managing director, George Goundar, regarding the needed application for the ferry’s registration. If the company wishes for the vessel to begin transporting passengers and goods, it must complete this registration process.

In response, Mr. Goundar acknowledged that while the ship is currently registered as a foreign entity with the Fiji Revenue Customs Authority (FRCA), he pointed out that its ownership lies with a registered Fijian businessman. He explained the decision to bring the vessel under a Mongolian flag was influenced by political circumstances affecting its original registration point in Korea. Mr. Goundar expressed his commitment to local service, despite facing criticism from competitors. He revealed that maintaining and upgrading the ferry, which has already incurred significant costs, will take approximately one to two months.

Mr. Goundar remains undeterred by the negativity and emphasized his dedication to serving the Fijian people, encouraging a focus on the community’s needs rather than political challenges.

This situation highlights the intricacies of maritime regulations and ownership rights in Fiji, and it is hopeful to see local investment in infrastructure that enhances transportation services for the community. Once the necessary approvals are finalized, the MV Captain Inoke could significantly improve connectivity in the region.