Local shipping tycoon George Goundar is bringing in two advisers from Russia to advise him on his plans to operate a jetfoil and hovercraft here as ferries.

The duo is expected to arrive on February 17 to inspect the sites where the two fast vessels would be operating from.

The  Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) managing director hopes to be the first in Fiji to operate such hi-speed passenger vessels.

Mr Goundar yesterday said the Russian engineers would have the final say.

“When these two (Russians) come to Fiji, we will take them to the areas we hope to get the two fast ferries to operate from,” Mr Goundar said.

“They are experts in this field who will inspect the areas and distance which the two fast ferries will do return trips,” he said.

“We have chosen three locations and they are Denarau, Nabouwalu-Natovi and Kadavu-Suva.

“These two are experts and we are going to respect their advice; we will only go ahead according to their advice.”

The two advisors will be in Fiji for three days.

“The locations have been selected according to their viability according to our understanding of our situation.

“We chose Denarau because we would want locals to experience and see the outer Islands at a cheaper price.”

“If Kadavu will be chosen then it will take one and a half hour to travel and if Nabouwalu-Natovi route is chosen then it will take about an hour to travel.

“If the two Russians choose one of the three locations then we will meet with the Ministry of Environment if they have any concerns in regards to the two fast ferries.

“We will take all our papers to the Ministry of Environment and work with them ensuring that everyone and everything is safe especially when it comes to noise and other factors.

“Once the Ministry of Environment gives the green light then we will purchase the two fast ferries.

“We will follow all the proper procedures and then we will send 13 crew to go for one-month training so that they can operate the two fast ferries.”

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