Inter-island ferry operator Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) has embarked on a mission to seal the deal on his sixth vessel.

And the purchase is understood to be from South Korea.

GSL owner and managing director George Goundar said that he was awaiting a confirmation on his bidding for the vessel, Queen of Nanaimo, from the ship owner.

He is among other international potential buyers.

While he has not revealed how much money his company intends to invest on the latest purchase, Mr Goundar said: “I should have a rough idea on the sixth vessel maybe in the next three weeks.

“I have seen the vessel. I have been on it while I was in South Korea a few months ago.

“We’re just waiting on the ship owner to give in his reply on the bidding,” Mr Goundar said.

He also confirmed that by September 20, there should be further negotiations on the deal.

The company plans to expand its fleet of services in a bid to offer a bigger and better service to all Fijians, Mr Goundar said.

He said they were committed to offering better services to the public through the inclusion of this vessel.

Meanwhile,18 crew from the companywill be leaving our shores between September 15 to 20 to bring in the Lomaiviti V, its fifth vessel.

He said their Canadian visas were approved last week, while six crewhad to wait for a confirmation on the US visa application.

“We’ve got the appointment with the US Embassy on Friday, so we are setting our focus on a brighter future for shipping in Fiji now.”

The 18 crew team includes the chief engineers, masters, cooks and cadets.

Mr Goundar said that the vessel will be at the dry dock in Vancouver for underwater maintenance checks before it’s approved to sail to Fiji.

“She will be in the dry dock in Vancouver for six days from next month. As soon as the vessel leaves Vancouver, it will come straight down to Fiji for one direct route.”

The Lomaiviti Princess V is expected to arrive in Fiji on the second week of November and its proposed route is the toserve the northern travelling public.

“I believe in service and I thank the people of Fiji for trusting in our transportation services and making Goundar Shipping a household name,” he said.