History

LEEWARD ISLAND SERVICES LIMITED
COMPANY PROFILE

Leeward Island Services Limited, operates the MALOLO CAT ferries, to / from Malolo Lailai and Denarau return, with three scheduled services daily.

In 1997 it was decided to purchase a brand new 60 seat passenger vessel to transfer the Island guests. The mandate was to provide “the best possible service at the best possible price” thus allowing them to have greater control over the guest experience. The company grew faster than anticipated and after the first year of operation it was decided a second vessel was required to facilitate the growth.

Construction of the second vessel; “CAT 2” was planned for and executed completely on Malolo Lailai Island. This was the first commercial fiberglass ferry built in Fiji. The new boat provided the necessary capacity (96 seats) needed for peak season. CAT 2 remained the company flagship up until May 2013, when the company launched CAT IV, a 22.5 metre catamaran (170 seats) which was again proudly built on Malolo Lailai island. Leeward Island Services Limited has contributed close to F$40 million into the Fijian economy to date with the engagement of mostly local content and local businesses.

The decision to build vessels in Fiji, provided work for approximately 40 locals who benefited by learning the latest technology in boat building. The company continues to grow annually. MALOLO CAT under the Leeward Island Service Limited branding, represents the best value, and the most reliable, passenger ferry service in the Fiji Islands group. The company now consistently employs greater than 52 staff across all service divisions.

• Leeward Island Service Limited provides and operates a diverse range of services, including both on island and to / from Malolo Lailai Island:
  • Malolo Cat passenger ferries currently operates three vessels carrying approximately 130,000 guests annually.
  • Owns and operates two different size freight barges, from the mainland to island, services along with charter loading services into the Mamanuca islands region. The Port Denarau Marina warehouse facility, currently also provides the base for freight receival and consolidation area for all supplies to Malolo Lailai Island.
    • Leeward island Services Limited is currently developing property at Fantasy Island Industrial for all barging operations.
  • Owns and operates the largest high voltage energy reticulation system of its kind for an outer Island to facilitate power generation and provision to Malolo Lailai Island.
  • The provision of on island Nursing services to all guests and visitors, all staff and all residents on a 24/7 basis.
  • The provision of Airfield and runway maintenance and management for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
  • Haul Out and Dry dock services and all company owned vessels and other vessels from other islands, on an as required basis.

At the launch of MALOLO CAT IV the Attorney General, the honorable Aiyaz Saiyad Kaiyum, said “a boat of this standard, built in Fiji by Fijian people, the whole country should be proud of MALOLO CAT”.

Since the humble beginning in 1998, our method has simply been to look after all guests either from overseas or local, professionally and efficiently while supporting the local communities with sponsorship options for transfers providing our services with contributions to neighbouring villages. Donations, the provision of employment options and upskill training for indigenous Fijian people is a business priority for staff and management.

The Leeward Island Services Limited Group look forward to providing Fiji Tourism with a professional efficient service to all guests, staff and permanent residents for many years.