Goundar’s Four Vessels on Sale Still Operating, Shops For Another
Local shipping magnate George Goundar is away for three weeks to shop for another vessel while four of his vessels have been advertised for sale.
Senior Master of the Goundar Shipping Limited fleet Captain Inoke Ratotodro has confirmed company managing director Mr Goundar’s trip and its purpose.
Captain Ratotodro confirmed that four of Goundar Shipping Limited’s vessels although have been advertised for sale were still in operation.
Vessels on sale include Lomaiviti Princess II, III, IV and V.
Mr Goundar had said last month that he would be shopping overseas for another vessel.
Captain Ratotodro confirmed on Monday that of the three vessels put up for sale one is berthed in Suva for staffing reasons.
“Lomaiviti III is in port because there are not enough crew members to operate it,” Mr Ratotodro said.
“While they are been put up for sale they are still in operation,” he said.
Lomaiviti III services Savusavu and Koro Island,
“Lomaiviti Princess II is leaving tomorrow (yesterday) for Vanuabalavu, Cicia for the Lau franchise run facilitated by Government,” he said on Monday.
“Lomaiviti Princess IV is at Taveuni for the daily Taveuni to Natuvu run.
“Lomaiviti Princess V does the Suva to Savusavu trip and return twice a week.”
Lomaiviti Princess V departs for Savusavu on Mondays and returns on Fridays. It again leaves on Fridays and returns early Monday mornings.
The $2.5 million Lomaiviti Princess V was purchased last year. It is the biggest inter-island vessel in Fiji with five-star facilities on board.
Formerly known as Queen of Nanaimo, Lomaiviti Princess V was bought from Vancouver, Canada.
It had created 55 new jobs for Fijians.
Mr Goundar said people are demanding for comforts and as a stakeholder, they need to provide it.
Captain Ratotodro said he was in no position to elaborate on sale of the four vessels as he can only comment on the vessels’ movements.
All the vessels are roll on and roll off passenger and cargo ships with passenger capacity for Lomaiviti Princess II at 300, Lomaiviti Princess III at 700, Lomaiviti Princess IV at 350 and Lomaiviti Princess V for 1000 passengers.
While there is no closing date for the sale, interested buyers can email or call GSL for more information.
Efforts to contact Mr Goundar overseas were unsuccessful.
