People of Kadavu have had their prayers answered following the arrival of the Queen of Melbourne from Geelong in Melbourne to Suva last Friday.
“For years, the people of Kadavu have been desperate for better and consistent shipping services – this new vessel guarantees comfort travelling and economic boom,” South Island Shipping Services managing director Ulaiasi Buivatu said.
SISS also owns MV Liahona I and MV Liahona II – the vessels service the Lau group of islands. This is its first roll on roll of f vessel.
“Our plan to buy a new vessel started years ago and this vessel is set to improve transport services for the people of Kadavu,” he said.
The former Australian registered Queen of Melbourne is now anchored in the Suva harbour.
Mr Biuvatu said the latest inclusion to their fleet is their first roll on, off vessel with a seating capacity of 400 passengers.
“We hope of lifting the standard of ferry services to another new level and the success of this new ship very much needs the public support,” he said.
He hopes that the vessel will complement the economic activities not only on Kadavu but other islands in the Fiji Group.
“Our new vessel will provide new job opportunities; boost the tourism industry and economic activities here,” he said.
“The Queen of Melbourne had set sail from Geelong to Fiji on Friday January 5, 2018 where another chapter has been written in its colourful history.
“The vessel is yet to be surveyed by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and there are still some paper workto be finalised.
“There will be some restoration and refurbishment works on the ship.
“The name of the ship will definitely change.
“At the moment we cannot divulge any other information as there is a lot of competition and we do not want to step on any toes,” he said.
He said with the new ship, the company is expecting obstacles along the way and the success of the shipping services needs the continued support of the people.