Maritime islanders can look forward to travelling in style as Goundar Shipping Limited has announced that they are expecting another ferry in June this year, which will be faster than the vessel dedicated to and named after the late Captain Inoke Ratotodro.
Captain Inoke was commissioned on Friday and has cut the travel to Kadavu from an overnight trip to just an hour, offering efficiency for passengers while boosting the industry and island connectivity.
Goundar Shipping's Managing Director, George Goundar announced this as they welcomed Captain Inoke at the Narrain Jetty.
As the vessel berthed at the jetty in Walu Bay, it was welcomed in a traditional ceremony where the family members of Captain Inoke from Tuatua and Nasau Villages in Koro, Lomaiviti, conducted a vakamamaca, i sevusevu and presented a tabua ( whale's tooth) to show their appreciation to the Goundar family for naming this one-of-a-kind vessel in Fiji after their late father.
Goundar, also known as Joji, says his family was motivated by the honesty Captain Inoke showed his family, which kept them working hard and never losing hope despite criticism of his family.
He says that despite the media criticism suggesting the vessel would not be allowed in the country, they continued to believe and trust in the Lord for His provisions.
He adds that in remembrance of the late captain who was called to rest last year, the first trip of the vessel will be to Koro Island.
The new vessel is expected to serve routes to Levuka, Natovi, Nabouwalu and Ellington.
Meanwhile, the Captain Inoke vessel was brought by a 12-member crew led by Captain Sainimere Qutonilaba, 31, from Savudrodro, Savusavu, Vanualevu.
She has served with Goundhar Shipping for 14-years, since 2011, and has been tasked and trusted by Gounder to bring their vessels from overseas.
