Wharf standoff sparks action: Lomaiviti Princess 9 suspended over repeated breaches

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has suspended the operations of Goundar Shipping Limited’s Lomaiviti Princess 9 (LP9) following continuous breaches of directives.

The move follows concerns after women, children and elderly passengers were stranded on an Interlink vessel on Palm Sunday because of a standoff between Goundar Shipping and Interlink over berthing rights.

Interlink Shipping Line Ltd claims Goundar’s Lomaiviti Princess 9 blocked access to Ellington Wharf in Rakiraki from 4pm on Saturday. Passengers were allegedly forced to board a dinghy from the harbour to reach the mainland.

In a letter to this newspaper, Rakiraki mata ni tikina Sakiusa Kaitani expressed concern over the actions of Goundar Shipping.

Mr Kaitani said it was worrying to see passenger safety put at risk.

“This incident has raised serious concerns within the vanua,” he said.

He said MSAF and the Government should investigate the conduct of Goundar Shipping, enforce proper scheduling and ensure fair access protocols for all vessels at the wharf.

Yesterday, MSAF acting chief executive officer Iliesa Batisaresare directed Goundar Shipping to remove its vessel from Ellington Wharf to allow Interlink’s Northern Star to berth.

He said both companies had repeatedly breached berthing slots, showing non-compliance and disregard for passenger safety.

The suspension takes effect on April 1 and is scheduled for formal review on April 30, 2026.

In response, Goundar Shipping labelled the suspension “unlawful” and “procedurally improper”.

“The decision seems to have been taken without due process, without affording GSL an opportunity to be heard and in breach of the rules of natural justice,” the company said in a statement.

Goundar Shipping claims Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau had threatened to close the wharf for one month if the company failed to comply. The company maintains it followed scheduled and approved berthing times.

“We urge the public not to be misled by inaccurate or unverified information,” it said on Facebook.

Goundar Shipping also called on MSAF to take responsibility.

“This schedule was approved under your authority, so why are vessels being cleared to sail despite knowing the likely outcome?”

The company said people deserved transparency and leadership, not decisions made behind closed doors.

Goundar Shipping posted what it said was an approved vessel schedule, claiming it was endorsed by Mr Batisaresare on December 12 last year.

Attempts to get a comment from Ro Filipe were unsuccessful.