FAIRWEST Shipping Limited (FSL) has acquired another passenger vessel, which is due to arrive in the country next month from Busan, South Korea.
The vessel called ‘Fair Queen’ is now undergoing final touches, refurbishment work and paper works before it sets sail for Solomon Islands, a spokesperson for the shipping company said.
A team from Fairwest Shipping visited Busan last month to inspect this new vessel and have expressed satisfaction with its set up.
The spokesperson said once all the maiden voyage formalities are completed, the boat will set sail for Solomon Islands later this month or early next month.
“It should arrive mid next month, at least before December,” the officer said.
In preparation to get the vessel over, the first crew members engaged by Fairwest to bring the vessel have already left the country for Busan last week.
The next lot of crew members and the captain are expected to leave the country this week.
“The vessel will begin its voyage from Busan to Solomon Islands later this month or early next month.
“The travel time is likely to be around two weeks, depending on the weather,” the spokesperson said.
The total cost of the vessel purchase could not be revealed.
The vessel once operational is expected to provide passenger services.
Its still unclear which route the vessel will serve.
The newly acquired Fair Queen now adds to the list of vessels owned by Fairwest Shipping.
The vessels currently in their fleet are; MV Fair Glory, MV Fair Lady, MV Fair Chief and MV Fair King – a landing craft.
The arrival of MV Fair Queen is expected to ease the demand for the upcoming Christmas and New year period, which is the peak time for travel.
At the moment, MV Fair Lady is serving the Western Province while MV Fair Chief serves Makira.
