The MV Uluinabukelevu finally made its first trip to Kadavu last Saturday, following a minor delay.

Owned by Valesasa Transportation Company Limited (VTCL), the vessel had developed problems with its generator, cancelling the first scheduled trip the previous week.

MV Uluinabukelevu was out of business since July after the vessel carrying 32 passengers was stranded on a reef in Oneata, in the Lau Group.

VTCL managing director Ilaitia Caginavanua said the company board and management were happy to see the progress of the vessel after being out of business for some time.

FESTIVE SEASON PLANS

Returning to normal services was timely for MV Uluinabukelevu for the festive season is back.

With the demand of inter-island ferry services this time around, Mr Caginavanua says, the vessel will be making two trips a week to Kadavu, Gau and Moala in Lau.

“When we were out of operations, our franchise route was serviced by government boats and also local operators like MV Liahona and MV Sea Rakino,” he explained.

“Now, we have to first meet the demand of the franchise runs by government, that is, two trips to Kadavu and one to Moala.

“The trip to Gau is an extra run and we do this in between the franchise runs because Gau does not have regular shipping service.”