Fiji must build cleaner, more sustainable marine transport, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told officials during a visit to Fiji National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS).
Dominguez urged the university to explore development of greener ships and to begin with a market analysis and assessment of the shipping sector’s current needs. “I believe the area in which we can be of greatest assistance to you is through the provision of consultancy services,” he said while touring the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities.
FNU has signalled plans to reintroduce shipbuilding courses, reviving a strong boatbuilding programme that existed at the former Fiji Institute of Technology in the late 1980s. At that time, ships for the region were produced at the Government Shipyard in Suva. The university’s intention to train new generations in ship construction and design follows the recent opening of the $15 million PCMS, developed to boost maritime education, research and innovation across the Pacific.
The centre, which aligns with the Pacific Blue Ocean 2050 strategy, aims to blend traditional navigation knowledge with modern technology to support sustainable maritime careers in the region. PCMS officials are building partnerships, including industry collaborations, to ensure curricula meet contemporary industry requirements.
PCMS Diploma in Nautical Science student Lanieta Suliano told Dominguez that maritime careers are far more than jobs for Pacific islanders: “It is a way of life. It is how we honour our ancestors who were some of the world’s greatest navigators, and how we carry forward the hopes of our families and our nations.”
Additional comments and context
– Why this matters: The Pacific depends on maritime transport for trade, connectivity and livelihoods. Transitioning to cleaner vessels can reduce emissions, lower fuel costs over time, and better protect marine ecosystems already stressed by climate change.
– Role of the IMO: Offering consultancy and technical support can help FNU and regional stakeholders assess fuel options, alternative propulsion (e.g., hybrid, LNG, biofuels, batteries where feasible), regulatory compliance and funding pathways for greener fleets.
– Economic and training benefits: Reviving shipbuilding and expanding maritime curricula can create skilled jobs locally, reduce dependence on external shipyards, and support a Pacific blue economy that balances growth with environmental stewardship.
– Historical note: Fiji’s Government Shipyard in Suva previously produced vessels for the region in the late 1980s; restarting training and local construction capacity would tap into that legacy while updating it for modern sustainability standards.
Suggested additions for publication
– Include photos of the PCMS facilities and the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to illustrate the new infrastructure and engagement.
– Add a short sidebar on potential cleaner propulsion options suitable for Pacific operations and common funding or partnership models (grants, public–private partnerships, technical assistance).
– Consider a follow-up interview with FNU leadership or Dominguez on next steps, timelines and how consultancy support will be mobilised.
Summary
The IMO Secretary-General’s visit highlights an emerging push in Fiji to pair maritime heritage with modern, sustainable shipbuilding and training. With PCMS now operational and plans to revive shipbuilding courses, Fiji is positioning itself to develop greener regional shipping solutions that support both livelihoods and ocean health.
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