THE FIJIAN GOVERNMENT has ordered a review of vessel purchase processes in the country, following the arrival late last week of a Mongolian-flagged catamaran fast ferry that had not secured Maritime Safety Authority clearances.
Colourful local shipowner George Goundar purchased the former Harmony Flower from South Korean owners and led a traditional ceremony in Suva on Friday [3 January] to commission the vessel under its new name, Captain Inoke, honouring a late local master.
The vessel is to operate between Suva and Levuka, Natovi, Nabouwalu and Ellington under the newly-established Goundar Fast Ferries brand. The 80-metre ferry, built in 1998 to Incat Tasmania’s K50 design by Afai Southern Shipyard Co of China, originally had capacity for 785 passengers and 10 buses/50 cars and operated at a laden speed of 49.7 knots.
However, the MSAF said Captain Inoke had not been surveyed by its officials, as required, prior to arrival in Fiji and would not be permitted to sail until all regulations were met.
The vessel had departed Korea on 19 December with a crew of 12 but MSAF was not notified of its pending arrival until 30 December. Under usual practice MSAF would have accompanied the crew to Korea to undertake the necessary certification but this deemed dangerous given the political situation (the president’s brief declaration of martial law).
Mr Goundar, who operates an eclectic fleet of vintage ferries acquired from overseas operators on inter-island services, is no stranger to arguments with MSAF.
Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau on Monday ordered a review of all vessel purchase processes in the country, saying he was personally “not happy with some current processes and people under me need to be more innovative and proactive.
“I have reminded everyone in my ministry that I am a political leader, not a manager. Therefore, I cannot be solving all operational or regulatory matters. People need to step up,” Ro Felipe told The Fiji Times.
He said the review of vessel purchases was necessary as ideally, operators should not purchase without MSAF clearance. In the meantime, he had agreed that MSAF would proceed with technical assessments and work with the vessel owner to rectify any anomalies before a licence was issued.
Mr Goundar said he was frustrated by the political play and “jealousy” that had materialised, adding that he had no choice but to get the vessel to Fiji because of the high cost involved to keep the ship in Korea.
He says that despite the media criticism suggesting the vessel would not be allowed in the country, they continued to believe and trust in the Lord for His provisions.
