A public dispute between Interlink Shipping and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has escalated, with the shipping operator warning that it may suspend services over what it describes as critical safety, crewing and regulatory issues affecting the industry.
In a strongly worded statement, Interlink Shipping claimed Fiji’s maritime sector has reached a breaking point after years of mounting operational pressures, workforce shortages and delays in regulatory approvals.
The company said the shortage of qualified seafarers has become a major threat to maritime safety and service continuity.
“The industry urgently requires approval for the recruitment of higher-class international seafarers. Fiji’s current pool of qualified crew is insufficient, and the shortage of experienced officers with advanced certifications has reached crisis levels,” Interlink said.
The company alleged that operators are being forced to employ underqualified personnel, creating risks for passengers and crew.
“Instead of addressing this shortage, MSAF continues to force operators to employ underqualified seafarers, risking the lives of passengers and crew.”
Interlink also claimed that recent vessel groundings and onboard incidents linked to crewing concerns have not been adequately disclosed to the public.
“Two vessels have already run aground, confirming these warnings. Silence from MSAF only deepens public risk and erodes confidence in maritime oversight.”
The company further criticised what it described as lengthy delays in obtaining approvals and regulatory decisions.
“Simple approvals and administrative processes are taking months — sometimes years — to finalize. Shipowners are left with their hands tied, forced to operate under unsafe and uncertain conditions while trying to serve the public faithfully.”
Interlink warned that unless urgent reforms are implemented, it may suspend services.
“Interlink Shipping will have no choice but to suspend services as of June 2026 in the interest of public safety and maritime infrastructure protection.”
The company said maritime safety was a national responsibility and warned that continued inaction could leave communities isolated and disrupt vital shipping links.
In response, MSAF rejected suggestions that the concerns raised by Interlink had been ignored.
“The matters referred to in the statement are not new. MSAF has met with Interlink Shipping Ltd and other stakeholders on a number of occasions and has continued to engage on issues relating to crewing, certification requirements and workforce availability within the maritime sector,” the Authority said.
MSAF stated that claims of inaction did not accurately reflect ongoing discussions and work undertaken by the regulator.
“Claims that these matters have been ignored do not reflect the discussions and actions that have taken place.”
Addressing calls for the recruitment of foreign seafarers, MSAF said all applications must comply with established legal and regulatory requirements.
“Requests of this nature must be supported by the necessary information to enable proper assessment and must satisfy the relevant legal, certification, immigration and regulatory requirements.”
The Authority stressed that decisions involving maritime safety and certification standards could not be made outside established processes.
MSAF also pushed back against suggestions that local seafarers were responsible for recent maritime incidents.
“Such claims are serious and should be supported by evidence. The Authority will not speculate on the causes of incidents outside of the appropriate assessment and investigative processes.”
The regulator defended the contribution of Fiji’s maritime workforce, noting that local seafarers continue to serve communities across the country under challenging conditions.
MSAF said it remains committed to working with shipping operators while ensuring that safety standards and regulatory requirements are upheld.
“The Authority’s responsibility extends beyond any individual operator or commercial interest. Its duty is to seafarers, shipowners, and the maritime communities that rely on safe, reliable and efficient shipping services throughout Fiji.”
The dispute comes amid growing concerns about workforce shortages and operational challenges in the maritime sector, with both sides agreeing on the importance of maintaining safe and reliable shipping services while differing sharply on how the issues should be addressed.
