Plans of purchasing a much larger ferry are in the pipeline for Taveuni Princess, a northern ferry operator.

The company’s lone vessel, Taveuni Princess, that serves passengers in Taveuni, Buca Bay, Rabi Island, villagers in Savusavu and Labasa – was completely damaged by severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Company managing director Soniya Thakur said as soon as they receive all the help they can get into upgrading the current Natuvu jetty, they are targeting to bring in a bigger ferry.

This, she says, could cater at least four to six trucks, more cargo space and better passenger seats.

“This is for the sole purpose to assist Goundar Shipping Limited services, the only passenger and cargo ship to service Taveuni on a reliable time frame,” she said.

“However, sometimes there is a delay, shop owners, resort managers and the people of Taveuni suffer because this ship brings in all the major supermarket goods, meat and gas, etc.”

The MV Taveuni Princess is the longest reliable ferry service that has been operating route from Natuvu to Taveuni for the last 52 years.

Ms Thakur said the company has received many complaints and request from ferry travellers when they are out of service.

This because their services benefited daily travellers, well as government officials who travel for work to Taveuni and back.

“My father, Latchman Prasad, who was the pioneer for Taveuni Princess was a boat builder himself and he was very passionate about this business,” Ms Thakur said.

“As his daughter I feel responsible in carrying on the ferry business; providing bigger and better services for the people.

Ms Thakur who is also the sea captain and engineer for the ferry boat confirmed that the ferry had a 100 passenger capacity.

Meanwhile, she urged Government for assistance as the company is willing to serve people of the northern travelling public.