Shipping to Malau

from w
It's good to read in one of the Fiji papers that there is now a link between Lautoka and Labasa which should facilitate sending containers and passengers between the two places.

Suilven trial run at Malau a success
Maika Rabeleilekutu
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Suilven anchored at the Malau jetty yesterday morning. Picture: SERAFINA SILAITOGA
THERE was an air of excitement as the community in the Friendly North took time out yesterday to witness the achievement and historic event of Bligh Water's Labasa-Lautoka direct voyage. People crowded the Malau seawall to get a glimpse of the Suilven that comfortably anchored at the Fiji Forest Industries jetty.

The much-anticipated trip has stirred a lot of excitement and pride for the Labasa Chamber of Commerce that had pushed for such development. Chamber president Ashok Karan praised the shipping company for its efforts in helping them achieve a dream. "The business people have to travel hours to Savusavu and Nabouwalu to send our products across to Viti Levu but now, we will just drive 10 to 15 minutes to our nearest jetty," Mr Karan said. "It's convenient and easy for the business community as it saves us a lot of time. It will also give travellers a rest as they don't have to wake up early hours of the morning to travel to Nabouwalu."

Bligh Water chief executive Mervin Lepper said the trip was made possible after Tropik Wood allowed them to use the jetty. "This is a great day for us and today's first trip was a trial run and has been a success," he said. "We have brought in fertiliser and will take back timber from FFI. The passengers will also be part of this achievement and we should be loading passengers in the next two weeks."

Students and teachers also look forward to the travelling to Nadi from Malau. For students, groups would not have to travel to Nabouwalu or Savusavu, but get on the ship from Malau when they travel to Nadi for the Kaji rugby and netball tournaments later this year.