Fiji’s largest and leading marine tour operator, South Sea Cruises Group (SSCG), has announced the commissioning of what is to be Fiji’s largest ever new-build fast ferry, the 30m Yasawa Flyer III.
SSCG said in a statement it has appointed Brisbane-based Aus Ships Group to deliver the custom-designed fast ferry mid next year.
SSCG chief executive officer Brad Rutherford said the company was excited to bring to market what has been a lot of design, planning and effort over the past year.
“I am also extremely pleased to have chosen Aus Ships Group to deliver this unprecedented project for not only SSCG but for the people of the Yasawa who will greatly benefit as well. This investment is a clear sign of the confidence which SSCG has in Fiji’s future growth and that of the Yasawa Islands.”
Mr Rutherford said the Yasawa Islands has been an important part of the SSCG business for the past 25 years and the investment being made in Yasawa Flyer III signals their commitment for at least the next 25 years as well.
“Our commitment in terms of new builds this year has been cemented with not only this Yasawa Flyer III announcement but also our announcement earlier in the year regarding the two 14.9m fast catamarans (to be operated under the new South Sea Cats brand) due to enter service in early 2025”.
He said the extra capacity would also better support the local villages and communities within the Yasawa islands which rely on SSCG to deliver a safe and efficient transport service to/from Port Denarau.
Once completed and launched, Yasawa Flyer III will have a capacity of around 320 passengers being 33 per cent greater than the current Yasawa Flyer II.
