|
|
Post by Ferryman on Jan 28, 2017 13:00:20 GMT -8
Well, since this is now a company that is showing no signs of slowing down, I figured it was time to justify creating a fully dedicated thread towards the discussion of the company itself. For some background, most of us know that the ex Queen of Prince Rupert was purchased by this company in 2011, and was renamed Lomaiviti Princess. This was the very beginning of their operation as a ferry company. In the following years, additional ships were purchased. The Lomaiviti Princess name would end up being used over and over again, except they would each be numbered in roman numerals, ie: I, II, III, etc. Lomaiviti Princess III ended up coming to be with the purchase of the ex Queen of Chilliwack from BC Ferries in 2015. In 2017, the company is looking at purchasing two more vessels, and their names have already been chosen. Lomaiviti Princess V and VI, no less. In addition to that, they're also in the process of purchasing their own floating drydock to service and repair their own vessels. Something that most shipping companies would possibly dream of? Hard to say on that maybe, but I imagine that in the long term there would be some serious cost savings. Bonus if other companies come to you looking to use a drydock. Up until now, Goundar has sent their ships to New Zealand and Papa New Guinea for drydocking. Needless to say, Goundar Shipping Ltd has become Fiji's largest passenger/cargo ferry company in a very short period of time. It's quite interesting to follow the development of this company, not just as a ferry fan, but also for comparing of standards between Canada and Fiji. Not to mention, the transparency of all future plans with their local media. Anyways, that's pretty well all I have for introducing this company. Here's a bit more insight into the operation with some recent new links: More insight into "The Rise of Goundar's Empire" www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=385626Their most recent acquisition, Lomaiviti Princess IV, was granted a license to carry only 25 people onboard. This was because it had just one liferaft onboard that was able to carry only 25 people, therefore that's the amount she would be allowed to carry. fijisun.com.fj/2017/01/11/life-rafts-decide-the-number-of-passengers-a-ship-can-carry/As a follow up to the above article, that count has since been amended. But only due to the installation of additional seating? fijisun.com.fj/2017/01/25/msaf-approves-new-passenger-capacity-for-lomaiviti-princess-iv/News about the purchase of the floating drydock fijisun.com.fj/2017/01/25/new-floating-dock-at-levuka/And finally, news of two "New Princesses" potentially joining the fleet later this year. www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=385827 |
|
|
|
Post by Starsteward on Jan 29, 2017 10:03:02 GMT -8
Adding a dedicated thread for Goundar Shipping provides a great opportunity to keep abreast of Mr.Goundar's dedication to building and improving not only the travel opportunities between the far flung regions of Fiji but also providing employment opportunities for many of the populace as well. From sea-going positions, shore-based employment and perhaps employment at the new floating dry-dock, Goundar Shipping will not only improve the economy of Fiji but will set an improved standard for maritime matter in developing countries. The acquisition of the floating dry-dock demonstrates that Goundar Shipping is committed to maintaining/improving the maintenance of the fleet while saving the high costs of having work done at yards abroad. 'George'Goundar came to Canada/British Columbia, to learn, work hard, gain valuable ship-keeping and business experience and return to his native home to put his knowledge into positive action. He is to be congratulated on his efforts and we should also be proud of the opportunity Canada afforded him.  |
|
|
|
Post by mybidness459 on Jan 30, 2017 15:09:01 GMT -8
Great Idea!
I am interested in keeping up to date with Our ex ship.
|
|
|
|
Post by mirrlmak on Mar 14, 2017 8:22:08 GMT -8
I love how that article already stated the length of their new ships... 130m - I'll take a wild guess here ... QoNanaimo and QoBurnaby? Perhaps they can fix QoB's leaky propeller hub in their new floating dry dock? Or perhaps BCFS will fix it before they sell it?
|
|
|
|
Post by Starsteward on Mar 15, 2017 5:37:01 GMT -8
I love how that article already stated the length of their new ships... 130m - I'll take a wild guess here ... QoNanaimo and QoBurnaby? Perhaps they can fix QoB's leaky propeller hub in their new floating dry dock? Or perhaps BCFS will fix it before they sell it? Don't hold your breath waiting for news that these two old sisters are heading to Fiji. They are both well passed new Fijian vessel import laws that state, vessels of no more than 20 years old can be imported. Mr. Goundar was granted exceptions for the 2 ex-BC Ferries, however both those vessels were in reasonable good condition. The very open water routes that Goundar Shipping travel would not be ideal environments for either the Burnaby or the Nanny.
I have no doubt the newly purchased floating dry dock will lack for business be it for other Goundar vessels or others.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Jun 13, 2017 19:10:54 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jun 14, 2017 15:21:03 GMT -8
The news article also mentions that he's looking at buying two new vessels I hope he's not looking at buying the Nanaimo & Burnaby for use in Fijian waters. They are pretty much worn out & unsuitable (safe) for open ocean service. Is he aware that AMHS's Taku is on the market & its cheap? |
|
|
|
Post by Starsteward on Jun 15, 2017 13:35:31 GMT -8
The news article also mentions that he's looking at buying two new vessels I hope he's not looking at buying the Nanaimo & Burnaby for use in Fijian waters. They are pretty much worn out & unsuitable (safe) for open ocean service. Is he aware that AMHS's Taku is on the market & its cheap? The 'Fiji Sun-Times' is reporting that the two vessels George Goundar is acquiring are coming from Singapore. One vessel is currently in use until September. Mr. Goundar's marine engineering background has obviously played a significant role in his decision to purchase two older BC Ferries and appears to be having decent results with them. He may have chatted with someone at BCFS regarding the two old queens about to go to the gallows, out of curiosity if nothing else, but decided to go with vessels of a newer vintage. The 'Taku', could be a great bargain at first take but maybe the picture of the 'Taku's' bow being crumpled on the beach of West Kinahan Island on July 29, 1970 gave him second thoughts about buying a vessel who'd been in an 'accident' but then again, so had the vessel pictured behind the 'Taku' that day. |
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Aug 23, 2017 17:20:09 GMT -8
|
|
Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Aug 24, 2017 22:12:00 GMT -8
" Lomaiviti Princess V is a state-of-the-art vessel and boasts amenties such as coastal cafe, gift shop, kids zone, pet area, work/study stations, elevators and accessible washrooms."
I can imagine a lot of cynical Fijiians reading that and thinking, "yeah, right, Coastal Cafe. Bet they won't have triple-o sauce on the burgers."  |
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Aug 29, 2017 16:35:34 GMT -8
|
|
FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
|
Post by FNS on Aug 29, 2017 17:44:50 GMT -8
Get your cameras ready up there. Get good ones of her passing under the Lions Gate Bridge. Watch the ship trackers. |
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Nov 15, 2017 21:11:10 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by markkarj on Nov 24, 2017 9:30:44 GMT -8
From the stupid question department, does Goundar Shipping have some kind of standardized docking ramps at its ports like BC Ferries does?
Given most of his ships are ex-BC Ferries, I assume one solution would fit all.
|
|
FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
|
Post by FNS on Nov 24, 2017 11:01:32 GMT -8
From the stupid question department, does Goundar Shipping have some kind of standardized docking ramps at its ports like BC Ferries does? Given most of his ships are ex-BC Ferries, I assume one solution would fit all. Good question.
Based on whatever photos I've seen, I think they use their own shipboard ramps. The LP5 may be fitted with one at her stern. We'll see what she does when she gets to Suva in a few days from now via the Fiji Sun, Fiji Times, TV station news, et al.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Nov 24, 2017 23:03:05 GMT -8
The Fijian ferries, including Goundar’s Fleet appear to use a Mediterranean style of mooring. This usually involves a simple cement pad or wall that the ship can moor perpendicularly to, and then being able to drop a shipboard ramp on to the cement pad itself. However, the approach into this type of berth usually involves dropping at least one or two anchors into the seabead on the approach, and then simulaneously swinging the stern and slowly running astern towards the cement pad. Where it gets a little tricky is when you’re paying out enough chain to allow the ship to travel astern towards the dock without dragging the anchor. But then also keeping enough tension on the chain to be able to pull the ship ahead once she’s in position for final tie-up. Generally ships don’t push up on the walls like we would here with our berths, because steel and cement don’t always get along for one of course, and plus it’s a litte untraditional, I guess? They’ll also have crew ready on the stern of the ship and also on the dock, to have stern lines secured to the dock as soon as possible to hold the stern steady in position. Meanwhile, the weight of the of the anchor chain paid out at the bow will be wanting to pull the ship in the ahead direction, so the stern lines hold the ship from moving too far ahead, but keeping the ship just off from the dock itself. The ramp should be the only part of the ship touching the cement. Lomaiviti Princess V will most certainly be fitted with a stern ramp. I’m not certain there would be any use of a bow ramp in their case since she doesn’t have a stern anchor to work with. You can see the provisions for it already in place at the stern in some of the photos of her departure on Nov 10th in the BC Nautical History page, with credit to photographer Eli Sim ( www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156785998868662&set=gm.2067711703440185&type=3 ) Take a close look at the stern railing on deck 4 on either side of the provision hoist, as well as the hinges already welded in place at the rubbing strake along the stern) For more on Mediterranean Mooring, checkout: www.marineinsight.com/marine-navigation/mediterranean-mooring-ships/amp/ |
|
|
|
Post by markkarj on Nov 25, 2017 14:58:04 GMT -8
Thanks for the info. I figured they wouldn't be investing in BC Ferries-style ramps.
Aren't the new-ish (and new to us) northern ships using the Mediterranean style as well?
|
|
|
|
Post by dofd on Nov 25, 2017 17:16:24 GMT -8
Thanks for the info. I figured they wouldn't be investing in BC Ferries-style ramps. Aren't the new-ish (and new to us) northern ships using the Mediterranean style as well? I posted videos of that type of docking in the Northern Sea Wolf (Aqua Spirit) thread. |
|
|
|
Post by dofd on Dec 13, 2017 21:11:06 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Jul 12, 2019 22:18:24 GMT -8
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Jul 12, 2019 22:44:25 GMT -8
Why am I not shocked... old worn out vessels eventually can't even pass the inspection standards of a third world country... One only hopes that things can be brought up to a level where Fijians have some level of safety travelling between their islands. |
|
a8610
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 2
|
Post by a8610 on Feb 28, 2021 19:10:16 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Feb 28, 2021 21:03:53 GMT -8
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Feb 28, 2021 23:20:35 GMT -8
Not sure that this is actually a report of sale, or that she was just up for sale. It's dated June of last year, and a more recent news article from Fiji reported that she was laid up. Goundar clearly has his problems these days. |
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Feb 28, 2021 23:23:32 GMT -8
Saw this story and thought it was rather odd. BC Ferries is actually supposed to adopt an advocacy role regarding the conduct of purchasers of their vessels, after the fact? |
|
