Two new inter-island vessels that arrived into the country earlier this month are still waiting to receive safety certification from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to begin its service.

Interlink Shipping Line Limited Manager Josh Nawa said MV Ohana was on its final stages of survey by MSAF and they hope to commission the vessel on Monday next week.

“Our new vessel MV Ohana will be released today as it was up on dry dock for surveying by MSAF last week,” Mr Nawa said

“Today it will be out at sea for the final stages of surveying by the authorities and we hope to get the safety certificate by the end of the week,” he said

“We are letting them do their survey and inspections because passenger safety is our top priority and we want it thoroughly done to ensure that our vessels are safe to travel in.”

“There are also plans to commission the vessel on Monday next week as we hope to start our service on Tuesday.”

Ohana is expected to service the Natovi to Nabouwalu route twice in a day while Westerland will service Natovi to Savusavu and return.

Meanwhile, Goundar Shipping Limited has confirmed that Lomaiviti Princess IX is also waiting MSAF’s safety certification to begin its service.

The vessel that is expected to be a boost the services for passengers who travel the Natovi to Nabouwalu route has a total sitting capacity of 500 passengers.

Lomaiviti Princess IX joins suspended Lomaiviti Princess I, IV, and VIII awaiting safety documentation and certification from MSAF to resume their inter-island service throughout Fiji.

The shipping company hopes MSAF could up their game so that they could start servicing the members of the public.

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