More Vessels Planned to Meet Pacific Demand
There is a need for more barging services within the Pacific region as more national development projects are being carried out.
To meet this demand, locally owned company Gold Rock Investments Limited is planning to extend its fleet of vessels.
Yesterday, the company’s new tug and barge vessel was commissioned in a formal ceremony by the President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the Fiji Ships Yard in Walu Bay.
This is the company’s first tug and barge.
Chief executive officer Joseva Gavoka said the company is planning to buy more vessels.
“There are a lot of projects carried out in Tuvalu, Kiribati and other pacific countries where we have seen a demand for barging service,” he said.
“Climate resilience projects is one of the major focus for these countries so this vessels plays an important role in delivering the materials to these islands to carry out their projects.”
Mr Gavoka thanked the Fijian Government for its support towards the company.
With its 7,800-tonne carrying capacity, this barge is believed to be the largest barge in Fiji and possibly in the Pacific.
The barge has an overall length of 100 meters, and width of 30 meters,
with crew capacity of 12 crew members.
Chief commercial officer Maurice Erasito added that the remoteness of the islands where major projects are planned, created a demand for barging services.
“Cargo vessels cannot sail to these islands because of shipping routes but our barge is able to,” he
said.
“That is why we target providing barging services to these islands because there is a demand.”
Captain Joseph Albert who steered the barge from Singapore to Fiji said owning barge locally was very economical as it would create more jobs for local seafarers.
He adds that as the company expands its f leet of vessels, more business opportunities can be created.
After its commissioning in Fiji, the vessel will be leaving on its maiden voyage for Tuvalu after to deliver project materials for the Government of Tuvalu.