Shipping disruption grows as operator blames rising costs, regulations

Another shipping operator suspended its ferry services on Tuesday night until further notice, adding to growing concerns over Fiji’s maritime transport sector.

Prestige Sealink Fiji says rising operating costs, increasing regulatory requirements and a lack of Government support forced the company to suspend its ferry services.

This is the third shipping operator to threaten service suspension in the past week.

Company chief executive officer Aiyub Khan said the company suspended ferry services between Lautoka and Nabouwalu because the business had become increasingly difficult to operate.

Mr Khan said one of the biggest challenges facing shipping operators was the rising cost of diesel, but claimed the issue received little attention.

He also questioned some maritime inspection requirements, saying certain parts of a vessel, including its void system, could not simply be removed during inspections because doing so would affect the vessel’s insurance.

Mr Khan said the company remained committed to providing a safe and reliable passenger service and would not overcrowd vessels or charge fares beyond what ordinary Fijians could afford.

"I can't be overcharging people. People don't get that much pay. I'm not taking people like animals. It's a different voyage altogether," Mr Khan said.

He said operating costs continued to rise while there was no independent body representing the interests of shipping operators.

Mr Khan said the maritime sector should receive the same level of Government support as other forms of public transport.

"The Government should be aware that we are trying to help their people. People don't vote for us, they vote for the Government," he said.

Mr Khan said the company had received hundreds of calls from passengers asking when ferry services would resume and maintained operations could restart if concessions were introduced for the maritime sector.

"If the Government gives the concession, no big deal, we can start," he said.

Maritime industry concerns

Mr Khan also criticised what he described as a lack of understanding of the maritime industry among decision-makers. He claimed commercial vessels were being regulated without sufficient appreciation of how the industry operates.

He said Fiji lacked the specialised equipment needed to carry out some maintenance work and claimed experienced marine engineers were not being adequately consulted.

He said shipping companies needed greater financial support if they were to continue serving maritime communities, warning that increasing regulations without corresponding assistance would make it more difficult for operators to remain viable.

Meanwhile, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the Government was working with maritime operators and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to resolve compliance issues affecting ferry services.

Mr Tuisawau said discussions with operators and MSAF were progressing, with solutions being developed to address compliance matters, including dry-docking requirements and crewing arrangements.

"Following ongoing discussions, I have had with operators and MSAF, resolutions are being worked on today on certain compliance matters such as dry-docking and also on crewing issues," Mr Tuisawau said.

He said interim measures were being considered to ensure maritime services continued while maintaining safety standards.

"Our focus is on putting in place operationally practical interim provisions while ensuring the continuity of services for the people who depend on maritime transport," he said.

Mr Tuisawau said further details on the outcomes of the discussions would be announced later.

"I thank the people of Taveuni and the maritime regions affected for their patience and understanding as we work through these matters," he said.

The Ministry said it remained committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable maritime services across Fiji.