The Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has put in place a contingency plan to ensure maritime services continue without disruption on the Natovi–Taveuni route.
In a statement, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says under this arrangement, MV Saint Mary, operated by Venu Shipping, will provide service on the route, with departure set for today at 12 midnight.
He says this step reflects Government’s continued focus on strengthening maritime transport and ensuring communities across Fiji remain well connected.
Ro Filipe noted that the measure is part of wider efforts to keep shipping services reliable, accessible, and fairly managed for all qualified operators.
He stated that the Government remains committed to maintaining continuity in maritime services, while also ensuring a fair and inclusive system for operators involved in the sector.
Ro Filipe says of the public are advised to reroute all cargo, trucks, and passenger travel from Suva to Natovi in order to access the Natovi–Taveuni service.
Maritime island services have been severely affected after Interlink Shipping Limited announced that they have stopped their shipping services from today as they urgently need experienced seafarers from abroad, and safety cannot wait.
Interlink Shipping rejects the claim that the operators are “strong-arming” the regulator.
They say they have been directly liaising with Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji for the past eight months, during which two Acting CEOs have changed, yet no progress has been made.
The company says the current Acting CEO has openly stated that she does not see a need for the recruitment of international seafarers, insisting on safeguarding local seafarers regardless of experience.
Managing Director of Interlink, Ashish Kumar says they have had two vessels running aground in the last four months, and the latest incident involving the Spirit of Harmony yesterday was just outside Nabouwalu.
People are seriously concerned regarding shipping services to and back from the North as Goundar's Shipping has also stopped it's services.
Kumar says MSAF also fails to announce their ship groundings.
He says these incidents could have led to ships sinking and lives being lost.
We have contacted MSAF they are yet to response.
