Some old government vessels operated by the Government Shipping Services have been sold to scrap metal dealers.

GSS Director Ilisoni Tuimabualau says they have sold a total of six old ships.

Three were sold last year and another three this year.

Tuimabualau says the decision to sell the boats was a wise one as they were losing a lot of money on the old ships.

Some of the ships are about 30 to 40 years old.

The Government Shipping Services will buy a new ship by the end of the year to meet the travelling needs of people living in the maritime areas.