Savusavu welcomes Princess Moana
The Princess Moana, an inter-island passenger ferry owned by Miller Shipping, was welcomed on Friday by the vessel owners, the people of Cakaudrove and the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at the Savusavu wharf.
The Princess Moana, a landing barge owned by Miller Shipping, was greeted with cheers and merry-making on Friday by the people of Cakaudrove.
The vessel, while birthed at the Savusavu wharf, was also blessed by the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The newly built 350 passenger ferry is expected to service Vanua Levu including Natuvu, Savusavu, Labasa, Nabouwalu, Taveuni and Rabi islands.
Ratu Naiqama said the vessel was a sign of the family’s hard work and he urged the people of Cakaudrove to support the shipping company.
“I know the family have been planning for a shipping company for a long time and today it shows their hard work and dedication have paid off,” the Tui Cakau said.
“This ship is not only for the people of Cakaudrove but for everyone. This ship is here to serve the people.
“Today, I am here to give my blessing, not only for the hard work but they are one of the very first families in Cakaudrove to own a shipping company.” Company director Panapasa Vonokula said the $4m vessel took four years of planning.
“The end result is beautiful. We had to do a lot of saving in order to get this business running and there was also a lot sacrifice done to get this business running,” Mr Vonokula said.
“My cousin brother, Ross Miller, his wife is from New Caledonia, and they have a daughter; her name is Moana who is four years old. Moana means water.
“This boat is a people’s boat where everyone is welcomed to board and are treated equally.”
Karl Smith, the chief executive of the Savusavu Tourism Association (STA) and the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce (SCC), said: “Significantly, the new vessel provides a significant option for the more discerning travellers, especially from Savusavu and Cakaudrove Province which is seeing a growth in wealth in its population.”