A NEW fast ferry service is likely for Fiji if negotiations are successful in Korea, says Sea View Shipping director Durga Prasad.

The company director went to Korea yesterday to negotiate a better price for the ship which he hopes to make travelling by sea easier and faster.

“I am on my way to Korea where I would be meeting with the sellers and I am hoping to get the prices down,” he said.

“Right now they are asking for $4.5million and I am hoping that they could agree to somewhere in the vicinity of $3million. That amount is viable to us and we are hoping that we should be able to persuade the other party.

“The boat which we are going for is a fast ferry. A catamaran style fast ferry which will be used as a shuttle service from Natovi, Nabouwalu, Taveuni and Koro.” The speed of the fast ferry would allow this journey to be completed within six to eight hours.

“There should be no late night or overnight travelling. This plan had been in the pipeline for some time but the green light has been given shortly. Now it is all up to the sellers and if they are willing to negotiate the price.”

Sea View Shipping were operators of the inter-island vessel the MV Sandy.

According to the web, the fast ferries operating in Korea can reach speeds up to 40 knots and have the capacity to carry more than 400 passengers.

Mr Prasad says he wants to revolutionise the shipping industry in Fiji and make customer satisfaction a priority.