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Joseph P, the latest addition to the fleet of Goundar Shipping vessels, will commence its services next month, when it sails daily to and from Levuka wharf.
Director George Goundar said the service was expected to boost local tourism in the old capital.
“We’re delivering a service that is entirely different from what’s on offer.
“It’s something Levuka needs - faster, cheaper, regular, daily and efficient.
“We leave Natovi at 6am, arrive at Levuka around 9:30am, and depart for Suva at 3pm - all in the same day,” he said yesterday.
Defending the decision
Mr Goundar’s comments follow a complaint lodge against his plans to service the route daily.
“It’s business as usual,” he said.
“We are not stealing the service.
“The current service provider cannot maintain the route, as the service is often late and lacks consistency in timely departure.”
The Natovi jetty/Levuka wharf route has long been serviced by Patterson Brothers Shipping Company, who according to company spokesman David Patterson, will issue a statement on the matter on Tuesday. Mr Goundar said: “We’re giving customers an option. “People deserve better facilities.
“We’re providing a different service for different people.”
Tourism boost
Goundar Shipping will roll out more bus services to enhance the service it offers for daily trips to Levuka, and other interisland shipping services.
The shipping company owns six buses, as it awaits the arrival of another four buses to add to its interisland shipping service.
Joseph P, named in honor of Mr Goundar’s late uncle Joseph Pugan, can carry 500 passengers.
Mr Goundar is working with tourism operators to design packages for day trips to and from Levuka.
“People want changes,” he said.
“Shops will finally re-open in Levuka, visitors will sight see, and reinvigorate the old capital.”