South Island Shipping Services would make four franchise runs to Kadavu this month.

This was confirmed by company managing director, Ulaiasi Baivatu, who said these franchise runs were postponed from last month because of Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

“We had to move all our franchise runs from last month to this month,” Mr Baivatu said.

He said they had made their first franchise run to Babaceva, Kadavu on Monday night on the vessel MV Liahona 1.

Apart from these franchise runs, Mr Baivatu confirmed that they would also be making their own runs to Gau every Friday.

Meanwhile, shipping companies have been advising travelling public to make prior bookings to avoid disappointment, as the new school term begins on January 18.

Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) has confirmed that a lot of customers are turning up at their offices to buy tickets.

GSL also confirmed that all their vessels are fully operational now.

Lomaiviti Princess 7 left for Northern Lau last night on its franchise run to Cicia, Tuvuca, Cikobia, Vanuabalavu, and Yacata. The vessel will return to Suva on Friday morning.

Tonight, the Lomaiviti Princess 6 would make its own run for Lakeba and Moce.

Other GSL vessels are following their normal route this includes Lomaiviti Princess 3 which is servicing Koro, Lomaviti Princess 1 is servicing Savusavu and Taveuni, Lomaiviti 8 for Natovi and Nabouwalu, and Joseph P servicing Levuka.

Victoria Marine Limited (VML) has confirmed that their franchise run for Upper Southern Lau is on January 10.

Company vessel MV Briana will be going to Vanuavatu, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Komo, Moce and Namuka.

Last night MV Briana left Suva for Lakeba on a charter pick-up.

Interlink Line Shipping Limited confirmed that they would be making their daily trips to Natovi and Nabouwalu.

Company director, Ashish Kumar, said they would continue until school starts.

Mr Kumar said their vessels were leaving from Natovi 6am and 9pm and from Nabouwalu at 1am, 11am and 5pm.

Patterson Brothers Shipping Company and Valesasa Transport Limited could not be reached yesterday for comments.

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