Fiji’s largest and fastest ferry, the 320-seat Yasawa Flyer III, will commence operations next year. According to South Sea Cruises Group (SSCG) chief executive officer Brad Rutherford, the custom-made vessel was constructed to meet increasing demand.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Rutherford stated that the investment amounted to millions of dollars. The 30-meter-long fast ferry will serve routes to and from the Yasawas, enhancing support for resort partners and local communities.
“Yasawa Flyer III will also be the first fast ferry in Fiji to be fitted with a full active ride control system, which has proven to reduce roll in moderate-rough seas by up to 40 percent in other vessels,” Rutherford announced. “In line with other SSCG fast ferries, Yasawa Flyer III will feature modern navigational and safety equipment and will also be equipped with Starlink internet to provide reliable Wi-Fi and GPS technology for real-time trip and destination information.”
SSCG has appointed Aus Ships Group, a leading design and build company in Brisbane, to deliver the custom-designed fast ferry by mid-2025.
“The company is excited to bring to market what has been a lot of design, planning, and effort over the past year,” said Rutherford. “We are extremely pleased to have chosen Aus Ships Group to deliver this unprecedented project for SSCG and the people of Yasawa, who will greatly benefit from it. This investment demonstrates our confidence in Fiji’s future growth and that of the Yasawa Islands.”
The Yasawa Islands have been a crucial part of the SSCG business for the past 25 years, and the new ferry signals the company’s commitment for at least the next 25 years. The vessel will boast a capacity 33 percent greater than its predecessor, the Yasawa Flyer II, with an accessible bow for passenger viewing.
Due to the current limitations in hybrid and battery technology to support long-distance open ocean travel at speeds of 22 knots, SSCG has chosen the most fuel-efficient and advanced machinery to power the Yasawa Flyer III.
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