Interlink Shipping Line Ltd has increased its fleet of vessels with plans for more to come as the company takes over Spirt of Harmony.

There are also plans for a name change on the vessel however the company is awaiting clearance from authorities.

Interlink Shipping Line Ltd currently operates four passenger vessels MV Ohana, MV Westerland, Queen of Melbourne and now Spirt of Harmony.

The move to upsize comes as there is a demand from its customers for shorter sailing time to maritime areas, said manager operations Richard Lal.

Built in 1991, passenger vessel Spirit of Harmony had to undergo major repair works.

Mr Lal said the company had invested $600k in repairs on the vessel.

“Apart from the underwater works, major upgrade is done to the car deck and the main seating lounge, with new navigation equipment.

“New carpets, seats, new rugs, installed extra new air condition units. Inside out painting.”

Renovation works on the passenge seating lounge inside Spirit of Harmony included new carpets and rugs. Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

The vessel has been surveyed by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and issued with a survey certificate and costal trading license.

Last week, under new ownership, the 18 crew Spirt of Harmony made its first sail through Natovi to Nabouwalu.

Replacing MV Westerland in this route, Mr Lal said Interlink Shipping Line Ltd will soon start its Natovi – Savusavu- Taveuni route.

He said Spirit of Harmony will depart from Natovi 9pm every Friday and depart Taveuni on Sunday.

“Passengers will now get to Taveuni in less amount of time.”

For Taveuni, Interlink Shipping Line Ltd will soon start a door-to- door service with a courier company. This meant passengers no longer need to pay extra costs to transport goods, bags or other personal items to and from.

“Exactly like the airlines do for unaccompanied luggage but this will be better we will drop off to your door step same day and if requested, can pick up as well.”

“This service will start with greater Suva area and specific Taveuni areas then later to other areas if there is demand,” Mr Lal said.

Prices will start from $5 for the door-to-Door service.

Interlink Shipping Line Ltd is managed by Managing Director Ashish Kumar whose line of business is with the transport industry.

The company also has its own fleet of buses to transport passengers to their destination.

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj