Patterson Brothers Shipping Company

Patterson Brothers Shipping Company LTD
IndustryPassenger and freight shipping, freight forwarding and logistics
Founded1924
FounderGeorge Patterson with son’s Henry Patterson and Robert Patterson
HeadquartersSuva, Fiji
Number of locations
7
Suva
Nakasi
Lautoka
Labasa
Savusavu
Nabouwalu
Levuka
Area served
Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Koro Island, Kadavu Island, Fiji
Key people
George Patterson
Trevor Patterson
David Patterson[1][2]
ProductsFerries, passenger transportation, freight transportation, holidays, business travel
OwnerGeorge Patterson[3]
Trevor Patterson[4]
Henry Patterson
Number of employees
200+
SubsidiariesFiji Searoad Service
Searoad Shipping
Searoad Logistics
Websitewww.fijisearoad.com
MV Spirit of Harmony at Natovi Landing

Patterson Brothers Shipping Company LTD[5][6][7] is Fiji's longest running inter-island ferry operation bridging the gap between Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Ovalau daily. They also provide trips to Kadavu and Koro islands.

The company is a family run inter-island ferry operation with offices based in Suva, Nakasi, Lautoka, Labasa, Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Levuka and Agents located at Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Dreketi, Lekutu and Seaqaqa. The company operates roll-on/roll-off freight and passenger shipping across Fiji and trucking and logistics and freight services across the Pacific Ocean.

The integrated land and sea transportation service jointly provided by Patterson Brothers Shipping Company Ltd and Fiji Searoad Service connecting the main islands of Fiji via multi-modal transport system with Roro ferries and coach transfers.

History

The company has its origins in Levuka, founded by George Patterson with his son’s Henry Patterson and Robert Patterson in 1924. Inter-island ferry operations began in 1924. By 2020, the company had more than 200 staff across Fiji.

Area served

  • Lautoka - Natovi - Nabouwalu[8] - Labasa/Savusavu
  • Suva - Natovi - Nabouwalu - Labasa/savusavu
  • Suva - Natovi - Buresala - Levuka
  • Suva - Natovi - Koro
  • Suva - Vunisea - Kavala (Kadavu Island)
  • Suva - Kavala - Vunisea (Kadavu Island)
  • Suva - Rotuma[9] (Franchise)
  • Suva - Lau Islands (Franchise)

Fleet

Current

Ship Flag Built Entered service Gross tonnage Length Width Passengers Cars Knots
MV Spirit of Harmony (SOH)[10] Fiji 1991 2007 1,505 GT 65 m 14.5 m 450 60 17
MV Spirit of Love (SOL)[11] Fiji 2001 2013 2,305 GT 15 m 24 m 300 50 15
MV Spirit of Altruism (SOA)[12] Fiji 1972 2014 3,474 GT 74.16 m 16.8 m 600[13] 75 14

Former ships

Ship Years in service Gross tonnage Current status
AK Jubilee 1928-1947
MV Wanderer
MV Malahini
MV Ovalau I 1952-1974
MV Jubilee I 1958-1979
MV Yatu Lau 1969-1983
TSMV Ovalau II[14] 1983-2003
TSMV Jubilee II 1984-1997
MV Princess Ashika 1989–2009 677 GT
MV Island Navigator 1999–2008 647 GT

References

  1. ^ Talebula, Wati (17 June 2020). "Patterson Brothers Shipping Heading To Kadavu". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  2. ^ Rawala, Luke (25 March 2020). "COVID-19: Government suspends inter-island shipping services". Fiji Times. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  3. ^ Doviverata, Rosi (17 July 2020). "George Patterson Tells PM Of Shipping Issues". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  4. ^ Nand, Edwin (30 April 2013). "No monopoly over shipping routes". FBC TV. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  5. ^ Rabonu, Inoke (27 July 2019). "Hearse, Three Relatives To Travel Free On Patterson Brothers' Vessels". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  6. ^ Waqairadovu, Apenisa (26 July 2019). "Patterson Shipping removes hearse fees". FBC TV. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  7. ^ Waqairadovu, Apenisa (27 December 2019). "Shipping companies heed notice". FBC TV. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  8. ^ Susu, Aqela (3 April 2020). "COVID-19: Patterson Shipping passengers to Labasa advised to contact helpline". Fiji Times. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  9. ^ Talebula, Wati (8 January 2020). "Authority Says Spirit Of Love Captain Made Right Decision". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  10. ^ Madigibuli, Ana (16 April 2020). "To The Rescue". Fiji Times. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  11. ^ Vacala, Kelly (8 January 2020). "Feud over Patterson Shipping charter to Rotuma". FBC TV. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  12. ^ Rasoqosoqo, Losalini (17 December 2017). "Patterson Unveils New Ship". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  13. ^ Long way from Italy, Lote (5 March 2015). "Long way from Italy". Fiji Times. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  14. ^ Narayan, Arishma Devi (1 February 2017). "Ferry Services Resume From Ellington Wharf". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 29 July 2020.