There is always a high-risk challenge when it comes to shipping services.

And according to Interlink Shipping Line Ltd general manager, William Vulivuli, you must have confidence and the drive to meet the demands of providing sea ferry services.

Mr Vulivuli was the former chief executive of Bligh Water Shipping and together with former employees of Bligh Water Shipping are employed at Interlink.

Interlink is a new player in the shipping industry. It was registered as a shipping company in 2015.

The company bought the MV Westerland which was previously owned by Bligh Water Shipping.

Because of the effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston which damaged the inter-island ferry, it was left stranded on Savusavu Bay for more than three weeks.

“Buying the vessel is a big achievement for our company. We had bought the MV Westerland last month through a mortgage in one of the banks,” Mr Vulivuli said.

“MV Westerland is our first vessel and we don’t plan to change the name, however, we do plan to get another vessel from overseas as a backup.”

Mr Vulivuli said they were planning to purchase a new engine and refit the inside of the vessel by mid February this year.

“Currently, the vessel is able to accommodate 400 passengers and 15 trucks. But we are planning to increase the passenger and truck capacity of the vessel,” he said.

MV Westerland made its first trip under the new owner on Christmas Eve and according to Mr Vulivuli, they have so far made six trips.

“We are currently making three trips a week but we will soon be making a daily trip. We will service the Suva, Nabouwalu and Savusavu route.”

The acquisition of the MV Westerland, he added, eased the demand for maritime transportation by the public.

“We pride ourselves with our service and we are here to satisfy the needs of the public.”

Interlink Shipping Line Limited is owned by a consortium of investors.

The Interlink Shipping Line Limited will now service the Suva, Nabouwalu and Savusavu route together with Goundar Shipping Limited and Patterson Brothers Shipping.

For reservations and trip schedules, they can be contacted on 9992026 for their Suva office, 9992031 for their Savusavu office and 9992025 for their Labasa office.

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