Goundar Shipping Limited(GSL) celebrated yet another major milestone last night with the official launch of its two new vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and the Motor Tanker Captain Lai.

The event also saw the unveiling of the company’s new fast ferry service namely, Goundar Fast Ferry PTE Ltd.

Chief Guest, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said these developments marked an important milestone not just for Goundar Shipping, but for Fiji as a whole, as we continue to advance our maritime capabilities and strengthen the connections between our islands and fostering economic growth.

“These vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and Tanker Captain Lai-both respectively paying homage to the Goundar family parents- is a symbol of the commitment that Goundar Shipping has made to the people of Fiji,” remarked the Prime Minister.

“For decades, the Goundar family has been at the forefront of our maritime industry, providing essential services that have linked our islands and supported our communities.

“Their dedication to Fiji’s maritime sector is a testament to the values passed down from the late ( Narayan sami Goundar) Captain Ilaitia Goundar, known as Captain Lai, whose vision has paved the way for what we celebrate today, and after whom the Tanker ship is named.”

Goundar Shipping Limited now serves approximately 90 percent of Fiji’s population, boasting the largest fleet and crew in the nation.

The M.V Lady Daya will not only provide faster and more efficient transportation between our islands, but it will also support our growing economy by improving the movement of goods and services.

The Captain Lai vessel, dubbed as Fiji’s first-ever locally owned, operated, and registered tanker, will focus on fuel oil and dangerous cargo transportation, creating new opportunities for local seafarers and positioning them for both local and international careers.

“I would like to take a moment to recognise George Goundar and his family, who have carried forward the legacy of Narayan Sami Goundar, with passion and determination,” added the PM.

“Their contributions to the maritime industry are invaluable, and their commitment to training the next generation of seafarers, including women, is truly commendable.

“As we continue to encourage gender equality and inclusivity in all sectors, Goundar Shipping is leading the way in showing what is possible when opportunities are extended to all.”

For this, PM Rabuka further reaffirmed that the Government is committed to supporting this vital industry, ensuring that our people and goods can move across our islands with ease.

“We will continue to work closely with stakeholders, including Goundar Shipping, to ensure that our maritime infrastructure remains strong, safe, and sustainable for future generations,” he concluded.

Since the registation of GSL in 2010, the shipping company expanded its fleet significantly, bringing in vessels such as the Lomaiviti Princess II in 2012, the MV Lomaiviti Princess III in 2015, and the Lomaiviti Princess IV, V and VI in 2018.

The GSL fleet has continued to grow with additional vessels from Japan and South Korea, culminating in the introduction of the MV Joseph P. Lomaiviti Princess XI, and XII in 2021.