Goundar Shipping Limited’s new vessel is expected to arrive in Suva next Saturday, June 22.

Lomaiviti Princess VIII will be the new addition to the Goundar Shipping fleet.

The vessel formerly known as Ferry Azusa is a Passenger/Ro-Ro Cargo Ship with a gross tonnage of 683 and deadweight of 409.

Originally from Japan, the length of the vessel is 65.7 metres, beam is 12.8 m and maximum draught is 3.51 m.

George Goundar has set aside about $14 million to purchase five new passenger vessels this year.

The latest of his 10-fleet, the $2.2m Lomaiviti Princess VII arrived at the Port of Mua-i-Walu in Suva early this month.

“Travelling hours are long and to be out at sea for a number of days can be frustrating, that is why we are looking at more efficient vessels,” GSL managing director George Goundar said.

‘We are providing good facilities on board for comfort which we hope travellers will appreciate and look after such asset,” he said.

“I will be buying five new vessels this year; it is costing me approximately $14m.

“Ship owners have a responsibility to make sure that people travel safely and in comfort in the Fiji waters that is why we take standard of shipping in Fiji to another level with the vessels we buy.”

Lomaiviti Princess IX and Lomaiviti Princess X are expected to be in Fiji before the end of this year.

Mr Goundar said all new his roll on-roll off vessels would be capable of carrying 500 passengers and vehicles.

Goundar Shipping Limited’s first purchase this year Lomaiviti Princess VI arrived into Suva from Korea on April 15.