South Sea Cruises Group (SSCG), Fiji’s largest and leading marine tour operator, is excited to announce the commissioning of Fiji’s largest-ever new-build fast ferry, the 30m Yasawa Flyer III. SSCG has appointed a leading design and build company, Aus Ships Group, based in Brisbane, to deliver this custom-designed fast ferry in mid-2025. Once completed and launched, Yasawa Flyer III will have a capacity of approximately 320 passengers, 33% greater than the current Yasawa Flyer II. The additional capacity will better support the ever-increasing popularity and growing tourism demand to the majestic Yasawa Islands across all tourism sectors, including Resort Transfers, Day Trips, and Awesome Adventures Fiji. The extra capacity will also better support the local villages and communities within the Yasawa Islands, which rely on SSCG to deliver a safe and efficient transport service to/from Port Denarau.
South Sea Cruises Introduces Yasawa Flyer III
The air-conditioned main lounge will feature comfortable seating for 132 passengers, a kiosk, a travel desk, and five bathrooms (toilets), along with large windows to maximize opportunities for passengers to enjoy the iconic views while on board. The bridge deck features the ever-popular Captain’s Lounge, with a capacity for approximately 56 passengers, while the open-air deck will also seat 58 passengers. The sun deck will provide 360-degree views and accommodate another 74 seated passengers, with standing room also available to capture plenty of social media snaps while en route. Like all SSCG vessels, the bow will also be accessible for passenger viewing.
In both SSCG and Aus Ships Group’s design of this vessel, it was clear that both hybrid and/or battery technology are not yet advanced enough to support such long travel distances over open ocean at speeds of 22+ knots. SSCG has therefore opted for the most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced machinery available to power Yasawa Flyer III, being twin MAN V12 D2862 engines. Yasawa Flyer III will also be the first fast ferry in Fiji to be fitted with a full active ride control system, which, in some vessels, has proven to reduce roll in moderate–rough seas by as much as 40%. Like all SSCG fast ferries, Yasawa Flyer III will also be equipped with modern navigational and safety equipment and will be commissioned with Starlink internet to provide reliable Wi-Fi, as well as GPS technology to offer passengers real-time trip and destination information as part of their journey.
Brad Rutherford, the SSCG CEO, stated, “The company is excited to bring to market what has been a lot of design, planning, and effort over the past year. I’m also extremely pleased to have chosen Aus Ships Group to deliver this unprecedented project, not only for SSCG but for the people of the Yasawa, who will greatly benefit as well. This investment is a clear sign of the confidence which SSCG has in Fiji’s future growth and that of the Yasawa Islands. The Yasawa Islands have been an extremely important part of the SSCG business for the past 25 years, and the investment being made in Yasawa Flyer III signals our commitment for at least the next 25 years as well.”
Rutherford goes on to say that “our commitment in terms of new builds this year has been cemented with not only this Yasawa Flyer III announcement but also our announcement earlier in the year regarding the two 14.9m fast catamarans (to be operated under the new South Sea Cats brand), due to enter service in early 2025.”
In announcing Yasawa Flyer III, Rutherford also alluded to the fact that SSCG is strongly considering commencing additional vessel services to the Yasawa Islands in the not-too-distant future.
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REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.