SOUTH Sea Cruises Group has disclosed plans for another fast ferry worth $11million, to be launched in July next year.
This was revealed at Wednesday’s unveiling of its brand-new $14m luxury vessel Yasawa Flyer III, which had sailed from Brisbane, Australia, to Nadi’s Port Denarau Marina, manned by an all-Fijian crew.
These vessels are part of an $80 m investment plan by the Group, a subsidiary of iTaukei-owned investment conglomerate Fijian Holdings Ltd.
The investment is set to elevate tourism development in the region and support local communities with inter-island transportation.
In an interview, South Sea Cruises Group chief executive officer Brad Rutherford said South Sea Cruises was proud to be pioneering tourism travel in the Yasawas for over 20 years.
“We have had Yasawa Flyer II, and Yasawa Flyer III is about 30 per cent bigger,” Mr Rutherford said.
“It will provide more capacity for the region, both for tourists and locals alike.
“The Yasawa Flyer III has a seating capacity for 320 passengers.
“So, we are very proud of that.”
Mr Rutherford said the second vessel to be launched next year will be for the Mamanuca Islands with a 225-passenger capacity.
“We all know that reliable access is a key driver to growth,” he said.
“We are also pleased to announce that we have commissioned the second vessel, very similar to this (Yasawa Flyer III) but a slightly smaller which will largely be working in the Mamanucas next year.
“And it’s just part of our growth plan and to keep up with the forecast for tourism over the next few years.”
He said Fiji has set a goal of getting to 1.25 million tourists in the coming years.
“And we need to invest to support that.
“South Sea Cruises is happy to be a pioneer and also a leader in tourism transport. I would say that we’re a business of importance in the tourism industry, we play such a role in connecting tourists and locals to the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the Yasawa Flyer III would open doors to new opportunities across the Yasawas.
“It brings reliability and capacity that will stimulate investment and inspire growth,” Mr Gavoka said.
“It supports not only tourism but also community life, providing safe and consistent access for the people of the Yasawas.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated August 23, 2025