Tuisawau warns MSAF to end jetty disputes

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) must act to stop passenger ferry route clashes and ensure fair scheduling at busy jetties, says Minister for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

He said MSAF’s role was to guarantee orderly and transparent coordination of routes to avoid disputes among operators, especially at Natovi and Nabouwalu jetties where tensions have recently flared.

“It is claimed that an operator engaged in unscheduled berthing at Natovi and Nabouwalu Jetty which affected the other operator who was scheduled to berth,” Ro Filipe said.

He stressed that while delays caused by mechanical or other issues were understandable, any changes must be properly communicated to avoid clashes.

“There should be no clashes in routes affecting operators,” he emphasised.

The two main shipping companies on the Natovi–Nabouwalu route are Goundar Shipping Limited and Interlink Shipping Line Ltd.

Ro Filipe also reminded MSAF and civil servants of their responsibility to maintain transparency in the maritime sector and pledged consistent jetty maintenance. He further warned that shipping companies must comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, with complaints to be closely monitored.

MSAF chief executive Joweli Cawaki has previously said the authority was committed to professionalism in its work.