Former Cook Strait (New Zealand) ferry, the 'Suilven', has been saved from an anticipated scrap yard demise by Suva (Fiji)-based Venu Shipping.
Having most recently served eight years in the Fijian chain of islands with Bligh Water Shipping, the 87 metre, 1,980 tonne vehicle ferry was advertised for sale in August 2012 and was expected to have been purchased as scrap for demolition.
However, having acquired the 'Suilven' for an undisclosed fee, Venu Shipping owner Ben Naidu is understood to have announced plans to refit and modify the vessel with the aim of it "commencing operations soon" in an inter-island service in Fiji.
It is also understood that the vessel, which has been named 'Suilven' since its 1974 launch in Norway, is to also be renamed to portray an aspect of Mr Naidu's family heritage.
Operated for 21 years by Caledonian MacBrayne on the Ullapool to Stornoway route, the 'Suilven' was acquired by New Zealand's Strait Shipping in 1995 and then by Bligh Water Shipping in 2004.
Iain MacIntyre
