[Source: Supplied]

The Environment Ministry is carrying out an assessment on a fast ferry recently acquired by Goundar Shipping.

This, following concerns raised by Interlink Shipping Line Pte Limited who have made claims of illegal importation and potential risks which could be posed by the vessel.

The ferry arrived at Narain Jetty earlier this month.

Interlink Shipping Line Pte Limited General Manager, Adrial Prasad said there was a need to strengthen enforcement of maritime regulations to ensure compliance with age and environmental standards.

He said they are concerned that the fast ferry’s speed and thrusters could disrupt marine mammals and damage the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape.

“We have seen in the past, slower ferries that run on 10 knots go aground, climb up the reef so if this ferry is running at 30 – 40 knots what is the next disaster waiting to happen, Fiji is not equipped for fast ferries.”

Environment Ministry permanent secretary, Dr Sivendra Michael confirmed they were carrying out a thorough assessment into the potential environmental impact of the fast ferry.

“We are in the process of undertaking a marine and coastal assessment process, as well as there is discussions with the relevant statutory authorities and relevant line ministries on the other aspects of the concerns that have been raised. We’ve also heard concerns raised by the community itself, and this has also been factored into our assessment process,” he said.

Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar strongly rejected Interlink’s claims, attributing the criticism to competitor envy.

“It’s pure jealousy. That’s all it is. You know, we’re following the regulation as per MSAF, and that’s where we’re coming down to. It’s going through under survey at the moment. The vessel came under foreign flag because of the turmoil in Korea. We couldn’t fly up the surveys from MSAF, so we had to bring it under Mongolian flag. It’s legal, because I have bought five vessels in the previous years under Mongolian flag. So there’s no breaking laws here,” he said.

Goundar said at present the fast ferry was still undergoing surveys and system upgrades.

He said that European experts would arrive next week to install new control systems on the ferry as they planned to launch the vessel in the next three to four weeks.

Goundar also revealed plans for a second fast ferry, expected to arrive in June.

FBC News has sent questions to Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau on the issue.