[Photo: FILE]Ageing vessels and increasing demands for maritime services have prompted the Government to reassess Fiji’s shipping sector and long-term maritime transport needs. The Government is assessing its shipping operations to determine the best way to improve services to maritime communities. Some have also aged, so we are reassessing the situation in terms of government shipping services, the operations of the private sector shipping, and what would be the most optimum arrangement as far as services to our maritime islands are concerned.” Opposition MP Jone Usamate says the Government should maintain its own fleet to provide support when private shipping operators face challenges. The Government is also considering transforming Government Shipping Services into a state-owned enterprise as it reviews the future of maritime transport in Fiji.