The High Court in Suva has granted Goundar Fast Ferries Pte Limited (GFF) leave to issue judicial review proceedings against state authorities regarding the delayed registration of its vessel, MV Captain Inoke. Justice Anjala Wati delivered the ruling today granting GFF leave to file judicial review proceedings within 28 days. The court also awarded GFF costs of $3500, payable by the respondents within 14 days.
The respondents in the case include the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), the Minister of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Prime Minister, and the Attorney-General. GFF applied for leave to challenge the continuous delay by the Minister in acting upon the recommendation of the MSAF Chief Executive Officer to approve the registration of the second-hand vessel. The vessel, purchased from the Republic of Korea, arrived in Suva in January 2025. Although MSAF initially refused the vessel’s registration on June 4, 2025, citing missing dry dock and survey reports, subsequent court documents revealed a significant shift in position.
Justice Wati noted that on September 1, 2025, the MSAF CEO had recommended that the Minister endorse and approve the vessel’s registration. However, the court found that the Minister failed to act on the CEO’s recommendation, causing an unreasonable delay of over six months without justification. The CEO’s assessment noted that the ship had undergone thorough safety and technical surveys culminating in a four-hour sea trial—and that 38 out of 39 identified defects were successfully resolved.
The senior surveyors concluded that the vessel was seaworthy and fit for carrying passengers and cargo on routes such as Natovi to Savusavu. Justice Wati ruled that the applicant presented an arguable case regarding the Minister’s delay, which potentially violated constitutional guarantees to prompt administrative action. Lawyer Siddharth Nandan (Nandan & Associates) represented GFF. The matter has been adjourned to November 3 for a mention.
