In recent decades there have been great advances in design of crewboats and offshore supply vessels to meet the needs of the petroleum industry. Recently a number of nations have turned to these designs as inspiration for naval craft. Now the Government Shipping Services of the Fiji Islands have turned to a designer and a builder of offshore vessels for a new inter-island ferry.
The M/V Cavigou was designed by United Ship Design of Sibu and built by Kian Juan Dockyard in Miri, also in Sarawak, Malaysia. The vessel’s 40- by 11-meter hull design owes much to contemporary offshore supply vessels (OSVs). However extensive design considerations have been included for the boat’s role as a multi-purpose utility vessel for public service. A stern ramp allows the loading of three trucks, several cars or other cargo to a 90-square-meter clear deck space. A 45-ton pedestal crane can assist with cargo loading. In the superstructure there are 40 accommodation rooms for the 16-member crew and up to 38 passengers. An additional day space is provided for up to 60 people in the salon.
