The Goundar Shipping Limited’s (GSL) new vessel the Lomaiviti Princess IV will begin its Natuvu to Taveuni service on January 04 next year.

GSL managing director George Goundar said this new vessel was specifically purchased from South Korea for the Taveuni route.

The Lomaiviti Princess IV is a passenger/ro-ro cargo ship built in 1993 will be first of such a vessel to service this route.

It’s length is 45meters and her gross tonnage is 237 tons.

Currently the passenger/ro-ro vessel is taking building materials to Moturiki.

He said they were using a Government punt which they had borrowed from Government Shipping Services (GSS) to use during their deliveries to Moturiki.

“We will return the punt after we finish work at Moturiki,” he said.

In an earlier interview with the Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea said, with Lomaiviti IV servicing the Taveuni route it would boost business on the island especially when it has recovered from cyclone Winston.

Mr Goundar said his vessel would be an advantage to the business people in Taveuni as they would be able to bring their business vehicle with them to do business in Savusavu and Labasa.

Currently the route is serviced by Grace Prasad Shipping & Landlords.

The company chief executive officer (CEO) Captain Ranjiyt Singh said she had heard of the new vessel but it would not affect their operation.

They had been servicing the route for over 50 years.