Interlink Shipping Services Managing Director Ashish Kumar has urgently called on the Fijian government and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to address a significant reduction in shipping services between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. This change, effective immediately, stems from a shortage of experienced seafarers, which poses safety risks for passengers. Kumar highlighted the company’s ongoing requests to MSAF for the past eight months, emphasizing the need for skilled seafarers from abroad to maintain safety standards aboard their vessels.
Despite operating five vessels, Interlink is unable to deploy all due to a lack of qualified captains and senior crew members. This situation is expected to disrupt passenger travel and the transportation of goods to Vanua Levu, where Interlink plays a crucial role in freight delivery to the Northern Division. Kumar pointed out that while MSAF insists on prioritizing local employment, safety cannot be compromised, and experienced personnel are essential.
The company is prepared to recruit seafarers from the Philippines, but MSAF has yet to approve this measure. Recent incidents, including two ships running aground in the past four months, underscore the urgency of the situation, with the latest grounding occurring just outside Nabouwalu. Kumar has called for immediate action to ensure public safety, but MSAF has not provided a response, and inquiries to relevant ministers remain unanswered.
