LAU Shipping Company Limited, the owners and managers of the MV Lau Trader vessel, is all set to implement its plan of a floating supermarket on board the vessel.
Yatu Lau Company chief executive officer Michael Makasiale confirmed these plans saying the company was working out how it would actually operated.
He said this was one affordable way of getting goods to villagers on the islands who could only buy in bulk so there was no competition created with existing traders there.
"We are hoping to have the supermarket on board the vessel by this Friday when Lau Traders makes its fourth voyage," Mr Makasiale said.
He said the supermarket would only carry a reasonable amount of stock to allow others space to carry their personal cargo.
He said areas had been identified on the boat to store the items, most of which would be groceries.
"There have been complaints of the high cost of goods, and part of it is freight costs, so this should be affordable for them, but they should buy in bulk," Mr Makasiale said.
He would not reveal the amount invested in the project citing confidentiality, but said it was substantial. Mr Makasiale said traders on the island were relieved given shipping services would now be consistent.