Lomaiviti Princess set to sail - Savusavu - new inter island ferry

[Stacey King]

 

FIJI SUN writer : LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO 9/15/2011

Ship companies should expect tougher competition now that Fiji’s newest vessel, the MV Lomaiviti Princess begins her services to outer islands today.

Belonging to Goundar Shipping Services, the $2-million vessel, formerly known as Queen of Prince Rupert, was commissioned at Narain Jetty yesterday.

Travellers should breathe a sigh of relief after revelation by director George Goundar that fares would be as low as $50 and at the same time expect the best customer services offered on board.

“The company’s focus is customer services and people are not to worry about their fare because it is going to be low. I want them to make a choice of their comfort and my reward is simply to put a smile on their faces,” Mr Goundar said.

Although his family is known for their shipping business, Mr Goundar said a challenge made to him by a ship owner years back motivated him.

“I was travelling to Koro. It was just like we were treated like animals. I want to change that mentality. I was up at 2am and the children were wet and when I approached the ship owner, he gave me a challenge that if I don’t like it, I should get my own vessel.”

Mr Goundar sighted the ship while in Canada where he worked as a senior engineer for BC Ferries, the previous owner of the vessel.

He resigned from the company to run his business here in Fiji.