Interlink Shipping Line Limited’s new vessel, Ohana arrived into Suva on Saturday.

General manager Josh Nawa said Ohana will be fully operational and offering its services in the next two weeks.

Ohana had departed Okinawa, Japan for Fiji on Tuesday, June 25.

It was due to arrive at theMua-i-walu jetty on July 8.

After going up on the slipway at Honiara in the Solomon Islands for repair, this $2 million roll on roll off inter island vessel is now undergoing certification.

According to Mr Nawa, the vessel has the capability to travel at the maximum /average speed of 16 to 17 knots, therefore providing a much faster and efficient service.

Ohana has the capacity to carry 500 passengers and between 18 to 20 vessels depending on type and load.

Meanwhile ISLL has two vessels in its fleet: MV Westerland and Queen of Melbourne who have the capacity to carry 395 and 350 passengers respectively.

Mr Nawa said the vessel will service the Natovi-Nabouwalu and the Suva Kadavu routes.

“For islanders travelling from Kadavu and other places that are using ships to travel, the mindset now is having a fast efficient vessel to take them across to the island,” Mr Nawa said.

“This vessel will be travelling at 16-17 knots which are faster than other vessel that are here now.

“There has been a lot of competition between other shipping companies but at the end of the day members of the public need to be satisfied.

“When comparing this vessel to others, there is no big difference, but the only thing we have to do now is to improve our services.

“The plans are to services routes from Natovi to Nabouwalu and Suva Kadavu.

“If anything comes up or the need arises we might changes the routes from Natovi to Savusavu.”

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