The government has expressed strong disapproval towards Goundar Shipping Limited for its handling of the oil spill incident linked to the Lomaiviti Princess II in Suva Harbour. The vessel has been inoperative and deteriorating since 2019, and the government claims that Goundar Shipping failed to comply with maritime safety and environmental protocols by not removing or defueling the ship earlier.
Following the recent emergency, investigations revealed that Goundar Shipping did not possess a valid waste disposal permit for its vessels, which is deemed an unlawful act given that LP2 was carrying hazardous substances. The government highlighted that as the shipowner, Goundar Shipping was expected to uphold a high duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm to both the environment and public safety.
In response, the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has enacted immediate recovery efforts. This includes deploying containment booms to manage the oil spill and discussions with service providers for potential underwater inspections and removal of oil and sludge from the vessel. A timeline of 4 to 8 weeks has been indicated for the completion of these processes, along with plans to release an expression of interest for the full removal of the sunken ship.
Ministers from the government have reiterated the importance of environmental protection, stating that Fiji’s waters must be safeguarded against pollution and navigational hazards. Efforts are underway to conduct a thorough maritime investigation to determine the root cause of the incident, assign responsibilities, and identify any operational gaps that contributed to this mishap.
In the context of past maritime incidents involving the Lomaiviti Princess II, there remains a strong hope that the ongoing investigation will lead to improvements in safety regulations and operational protocols. The government’s commitment to addressing these issues is aimed not only at preventing future occurrences but also at enhancing the overall safety and stewardship of Fiji’s maritime environment. As these efforts unfold, there is optimism that they will result in a cleaner and safer marine ecosystem which benefits both the community and the environment.
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