Maximum fares and rates for inter-island shipping finalized

The Fiji Commerce Commission has finalized the authorisation for the maximum passenger fares and freight rates for inter‑island shipping services in Fiji.

Commission CEO Bobby Maharaj says all operators are required to use and maintain the standard manifest for all cargo.

On 5th June 2012 the Fijian cabinet agreed that a review be undertaken by the Commission to determine the most feasible and sustainable level of boat fares and freight charges to be levied to the travelling public by private shipping companies and the government vessels.

He adds that the Commission’s Maximum authorized passenger fares for economical routes includes adult fare for Natovi to Nabouwalu is $47.00, Suva to Savusavu is $52.00, Suva to Kadavu is $46.00, Suva to Koro Island is $55.00, Suva to Taveuni is $71.00, and Lautoka to Malau is $70.00.

According to the Commission’s maximum authorised general cargo freight rates, 12 cents per kilogram or $117.00 per tonne will be charged for Suva to Kadavu, 10 cents per kg or $103 per tonne for Suva to Levuka, eight cents per kg for Natovi to Nabouwalu or $84.00 per tonne, Suva to Savusavu 22 cents per kg or 223 per tonne, Suva to Koro Island sixteen cents per kg or $163.00 per tonne, Suva to Taveuni 26 cents or 268.00 per tonne, while for Lautoka to Malau 35 cents per kg to be charged or $350 per tonne.

Maharaj adds the Fiji Commerce Commission and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji will carry out joint operations from 1st July 2015 to ensure the implementation and compliance with this authorization.

The authorised rates must be charged by the service providers and will remain the same and no new charges should be introduced unless authorized by the Commission.

Shipping Fares and Freight Rates (Tables)

• Passenger Fares - Economical Routes (Suva-Kadavu, Buresala-Natovi, Natovi-Nabouwalu, Suva-Koro, Suva-Savusavu, Suva-Taveuni, Koro-Savusavu, Koro-Taveuni, Savusavu-Taveuni, Natovi-Savusavu, Lautoka-Malau)
• Passenger Fares - Uneconomical Routes (Suva-Yasayasa Moala, Suva-Rotuma, Suva-Upper Southern Lau, Suva-Lower Southern Lau, Suva-Lomaiviti, Suva-Northern Lau II, Suva-Northern Lau I, Suva-Kadavu, Lautoka-Yasawa/Malolo)
• General Cargo Freight Rates (Economical Routes and Uneconomical Franchise Routes)
• Vehicle Freight Rates I
• Vehicle Freight Rates II

Final Authorization Shipping Fares and Freight Rates (PDF-3MB)