The official launch of Goundar Shipping Limited’s newest vessel, the MV Lomaiviti Princess III has been deferred to next Monday.

And its maiden voyage is scheduled for next Tuesday for Kadavu, departing Suva at 10am.

Company managing director and owner, George Goundar confirmed yesterday that the official launch will be conducted in Suva by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama before she heads out for her maiden voyage to Kadavu.

“The official launch which was scheduled for Thursday (tomorrow) has been moved to next Monday as the PM is currently touring the northern division,” Mr Goundar said.

Acknowledgement

Mr Goundar who was granted dual citizenship in Fiji in 2010 said his young shipping company and family is appreciative of the Bainimarama-led government.

In just four year of business operations, the company has grown from strength to strength with three vessels in the company’s fleet.

He has plans to bring in another two vessels in the next 12 months.

Mr Goundar added that despite the one year delay in bringing the Lomaiviti Princess III to Fiji, it was worth the challenge.

“We just want to thank the PM for allowing us/our family to further invest into the local shipping industry – a testament is the arrival of the third vessel last week.

“We are of the view that this is good leadership by Mr Bainimarama and the Minister of Transport, Praveen Bala, along of key stakeholders who have made this all possible,” Mr Goundar said.

Mr Goundar said the success of the company, which was established in 2011, could be credited to his hardworking 150-plus staff and God.

He said when he returned to Fiji in 2010, he saw the standard of shipping was not the standard the people of Fiji deserved so he decided to challenge the shipping competition by providing quality vessels with excellent standards.

“I brought a vessel and brought up a standard. As you can see now, the service and competition for mariners is really up there now, the shipping industry has a bright future now,” he said.