IF you are a passenger planning to travel to the Western Province this weekend, why not try out ‘MV Pelican 96’ which will launch its inaugural trip this Sunday.
The newly acquired fast craft will operate its maiden trip to six destinations in Western Province starting on Sunday morning.
The boat can travel up to a speed of 30knots according to its data.
Thus, the trip would last around 10 hours which means by 6pm on Sunday it would arrive in Gizo.
Operator and owner Pelican Express Limited (PEL) has already announced the first schedule for the fast craft start this month.
“Pelican Shipping Limited wishes to inform you all that we will make our first trip to Western Province starting Sunday 16th October.”
Two more Sunday trips will be operated on 23rd and 30th October.
“Port of calls will involve Bunikalo, Gasini, Seghe, Ughele, Noro and Gizo.
“The fast craft will depart every Sundays at 9.30am in the morning and arrive in Gizo around 6pm.
“Pelican 96 would then spend Sunday night in Gizo before departing Gizo on Monday morning at 9.30am back to Honiara via the same routes.”
According to its specification, Pelican 96 was specially designed and built in Asia for the country’s ocean.
The boat can carry about 396 passengers and offers business and economy class services.
PEL has over the past weeks been accepting people to get proformas from its office to do their bookings.
Fares for the respective port of calls have also been released. There three fare categories for adults, students and children.
For instance, from Honiara to Bunikalo its $500 for adults, $450 for students and $350 for children. To Gizo from Honiara, its $750 for adults, $700 for studenst and $600 for children.
With the Christmas and New Year break drawing closer, many travelers are excited with the additional shipping services to the West.
Currently MV Fair Lady and Marina II are serving the Western province each weekend.
With the inclusion of Pelican 96 to the route, customers said it would offer more options for the traveling public.
Others said having a fast craft on the route would allow people to travel in comfort and speed at a lower cost than by air.
PEL in late August took delivery of ‘Pelican 96’ as part of its expansion in the local shipping service industry, thus providing a better option for the traveling public from Honiara to Auki and Gizo.
It is the second boat to be operated by PEL since commencing shipping services to the two provinces in December 2019.
The arrival of the boat comes as the country’s international border has reopened on July 1st early this month.
This means, tourists can also have the option to travel by sea to enjoy the beautiful sceneries when visiting the two provinces.
By MOFFAT MAMU