Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday commissioned the government vessel, MV Cagivou at the Government Shipping Services Wharf at Walu Bay, Suva.

The vessel – built in Malaysia, cost Government $5.76 million. It is a stern roll-on-roll design capable of carrying 100 passengers.

“The vessel is a potential symbol of the Cagivou – the new wind that is carrying Fiji forward- and of my Government’s programme of the modernisation that is transforming the lives of every Fijian,” he said.

“This is a great day for our coastal and maritime communities in Fiji as we commission the Cagivou – the third and most impressive of the new vessels we have acquired for the Government Shipping Service.”

Mr Bainimarama said the continuing upgrade of shipping services to maritime islands was one of the most important things his Government had done.

The vessel is expected to service maritime areas as a means of transportation and draw them closer to the main islands.

He thanked Captain Pauliasi Vakaloloma, Maritime Safety Authority surveyors and local naval architect consultant, Moape Batigai.

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