Ferry row rocks Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji

A growing dispute over the approval of a new passenger ferry has possibly led to the suspension of Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) chief executive officer, Joeli Cawaki.

Multiple sources claim Mr Cawaki was suspended four weeks ago, but no official announcement has been made by MSAF or the Ministry of Transport to date.

Mr Cawaki was appointed as CEO on November 8, 2023. And sources claim Mr Cawaki was told by the MSAF Board to keep silent over the matter.

Questions sent to MSAF board chairperson Savenaca Cavalevu, and copied to other board members, Laisiasa Gonewai, Lui Naisara and Savenaca Kadavi have remain unanswered.

Repeated calls and emails to Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau have also gone unanswered.

The suspension is believed to be linked to the approval of Goundar Shipping Limited’s new fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, which was cleared two months ago by MSAF to operate on the Natovi–Nabouwalu route. Interlink Shipping Line also services the same route.

The vessel arrived from South Korea on January 3 this year under a Mongolian flag, but remains docked at Port Mua-i-Walu.

Sources claim Mr Cawaki approved the vessel’s operation after it met all safety and compliance requirements.

However, they also claimed MSAF Board members and the minister withheld the final clearance, raising questions about interference in MSAF’s internal decision-making.

When contacted yesterday, Goundar Shipping Limited managing director George Goundar said he was aware of matters concerning his vessel but declined to comment further.

One source claimed Mr Cawaki had made progress since taking office in November 2023, including efforts to improve efficiency and tackle internal misconduct.

“Cawaki was working to remove certain dirty tactics within the organisation,” the source said.

“His suspension shocked many who have seen positive changes under his leadership.”

Captain Iliesa Batisaresare is now acting as the authority’s CEO and is using Mr Cawaki’s official phone number. He, too, has not responded to our queries.

Assistant Minister for Transport Naisa Tuinaceva, unaware of Mr Cawaki’s suspension, said: “It’s news to me. I have not received any information on that.”

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited CEO Vajira Piyasena shared similar views.

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