The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has suspended the coasting trade licence of Goundar's Shipping vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 9.
MSAF says the suspension of licence is issued on the basis of failure to observe the prescribed conditions of the licence which have breached safety of ships, passengers, and cargo at the Ellington Jetty.
This suspension is effective from 1st April 2026 and is scheduled for formal review on 30th April 2026 or at any point in time determined by MSAF before 30th April 2026.
Upon review, MSAF will determine whether the suspension remains in effect or if further action is required.
Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau had told fijivillage News that it is stupid to expect the Minister to be controlling an operator's personal conduct daily however he stresses a vessel holding up other vessels from berthing at Ellington Jetty on Sunday is a serious incident.
Ro Filipe says this is being fully investigated, and action will be taken to ensure it is not repeated.
The Minister says it is a schedule dispute where operators were in conflict and this was managed by MSAF.
Ro Filipe says the operators must adhere to MSAF's approved scheduling.
He says MSAF is investigating as per their mandate and will also tighten their operations at jetties.
Meanwhile Goundar's Shipping states, in the strongest possible terms, that the MSAF suspension is unlawful, procedurally improper, and made in excess of legal authority.
They say the decision appears to have been taken without due process, without affording Goundar's Shipping an opportunity to be heard, and in breach of the rules of natural justice.
The shipping company further confirms that it received direct communication from the relevant line minister indicating that Ellington Jetty would be closed for a period of one month in the event that Goundar's Shipping did not comply with certain directives.
The company says it considers this communication to constitute an improper and coercive threat, made in bad faith, and wholly inconsistent with the lawful exercise of statutory power.
Goundar's Shipping says at all material times, it has operated in strict compliance with its approved schedules and all permits and authorizations issued by the Government and MSAF over the past 7 years.
The company rejects the suspension as null, void, and of no legal effect; demands the immediate revocation of the suspension and any directive relating to the closure of Ellington Jetty; places all relevant authorities on formal notice of its intention to initiate legal proceedings, including but not limited to judicial review, injunctive relief, and claims for damages; and reserves all rights to pursue personal and official accountability for any losses or damages arising from these actions.
