THE Queen of Chilliwack is expected to be in Fiji on January 2 next year.
The vessel, which is the latest acquisition of Goundar Shipping , left Canada last Friday with 16 crew members, three Canadian officials and its captain.
“Estimated time of arrival is on January 2, 2016,” Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar confirmed.
He arrived back into Fiji yesterday from Canada with high hopes the new vessel would help support the demand for travel to and from the maritime islands, especially with its size and strength.
Mr Goundar revealed the new vessel, soon to be named Lomaiviti Princess III, can carry up to 700 passengers and 40 trucks.
“The vessel went through a hurricane on Friday night on its departure and Sunday the weather was really bad. There were 10-metre waves and strong winds, it delayed them a bit but it’s passed now and they’re on normal power coming through to Fiji now.
“There are no security issues along the way, it’s coming straight from Canada to Fiji. All paperwork has been approved. It was a long process but finally we got all our documents straight by the Fiji Government and other regulatory bodies and we’re happy it’s on its way to Fiji now.”
The new vessel is expected to begin operations in Fiji waters by January 15.
“When it reaches Fiji there is another inspection, then I will have to pay my taxes and duty with the Government and hopefully I can put it in the water by January 15 — she goes to Nabouwalu on the Natovi run.”
The Queen of Chilliwack was built in 1978, making the vessel 37 years old. The purchase of the vessel was made possible through Government’s amendment of the 20-year life span requirement on ships. In its 2016 National Budget, Government amended the law to allow for older, refurbished vessels which have met maritime safety standards be brought into the country
