South Sea Towage Limited (SSTL) has initiated preparatory activities and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pacific Marine Group to begin the project of removing abandoned vessels from Suva Harbour, which have become a significant eyesore.
SSTL is partially owned by the Unit Trust of Fiji, holding 60 percent of its shares. The General Manager of UTOF, Sakiusa Bolaira, indicated that numerous discussions are underway, with a deadline set to commence the removal work by January 2025.
Bolaira emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that around 80 derelict ships need to be cleared from Suva Harbour. He noted the importance of rehabilitating the harbor, expressing concern over the visual impact of the grounded vessels. “What we observe on-site is quite disturbing,” Bolaira remarked. He added that the presence of these hazards is hindering larger ships from docking at the harbor.
SSTL is collaborating with Fiji Ports Corporation and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji to facilitate the removal process. SSTL Chairperson Himmat Lodhia highlighted that the signing of the MOU reflects a shared commitment to eliminate derelict ships and debris not only in Suva but also in other parts of Fiji.
This initiative has been a long-standing topic among leaders, but with the partnership between SSTL and Pacific Marine Group, they plan to take actionable steps towards addressing the issue. Additionally, Lodhia announced plans to expand operations to the Solomon Islands in November, building on their existing services in Vanuatu and Nauru.
He expressed optimism that this MOU signifies a positive step forward for both the companies involved and Fiji as a whole, reinforcing their roles as champions of climate and environmental sustainability.
Andrew Morris, Business Development representative from Pacific Marine Group, asserted that his company leads in the Marine Contracting and Commercial Diving sectors. Based in Townsville, PMG provides a variety of services including marine construction, dredging, salvage, and artificial reef installation, all executed with high standards of pride and professionalism in line with accredited systems and relevant legislation.
Moreover, SSTL maintains a reviewable term contract with Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd, granting it exclusive rights to manage all operations and associated services at designated ports including Suva, Lautoka, Malau, and Warik.