A RA chief is pleading with the Government to halt the registration and deployment of the high-speed ferry Captain Inoke.
In a statement, Tu Navitilevu Ratu Emori Bolobolo, warned against repeating the mistakes of other countries by rushing to acquire similar vessels that have been regarded “unsafe”.
The Captain Inoke (formerly the Harmony Flower) is a high-speed ferry acquired by Goundar Shipping Ltd earlier this year and is under review for registration by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
“I am not an engineer or a maritime expert, but I am a father, a chief and a guardian of my people’s welfare and I know when something goes wrong,” he said.
“This vessel has a shadow over it, questions about its structure, its age, its safety. We cannot allow our seas to become a testing ground for unsafe ships.”
Ratu Emori said it was understood efforts were being made to patch defects and fast-track approval.
“We have seen what happened in New Zealand and Hawaii. We must learn from their experience, not inherit their cast-offs.”
Ratu Emori confirmed he had approached Asia-Pacific Regulatory Centre (APRC) executive director Joel Abraham to assist in presenting the community’s concerns to the Government and regulatory institutions.
“This is not just about one village or province.
“This is about every Fijian who boards a ferry, every parent who sends their child across the sea, every family who depends on safe passage.”
In response, Goundar Shipping Ltd founder George Goundar denied claims that the vessel had structural challenges.
“No, that’s a total lie. We’re professional enough in this industry to pick the right vessels,” he said.
“Conventional vessels do more damage to the environment and the sound barrier.
“Fast ferries are designed to glide on water. I worked on them in Canada, almost 15 years ago. People need to be well-informed, rather than be misinformed by other shipping companies.
“When we buy things, we take into consideration all factors.”
Mr Goundar said other shipping companies were bringing in old vessels and that the delay in the approval process was fueled by jealousy harboured by rival shipping companies.
“They just purchased one. I think it left last week, and one is coming down the road again. It’s almost 40 years old. So, who’s calling the kettle black here?
“There’s another one that’s coming from Australia shortly, for Suncity in Taveuni.”
Mr Goundar claimed Fiji Port had charged him more than $100,000 for the vessel being at the wharf, which I said, “eventually MSAF would pay for not me, because the delay had been made by MSAF”.
He said he had licence to operate Captain Inoke in Fiji.
“I can show my licence, and I showed it to the MSAF CEO. I showed it to the chair. I’m the only one in Fiji that has it.”
Mr Goundar said he had spoken to the Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau and MSAF chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki to expedite the process.
“The CEO said the documents will be going up to the minister on Thursday (last week), or they’re having a meeting with the Minister on Thursday (last week), and they’re having their own internal meetings tomorrow.
“It’s going to operate. I assure you, next month it will be plying the waters of Viti Levu.”
Captain Inoke’s intended route is between Levuka, Natovi, Nabouwalu and Ellington.
Questions were emailed to Mr Cawaki, and several phone calls were made to Ro Filipe. However, they have remained unanswered.
Ratu Emori Bolobolo.
Picture: Supplied
