Efforts to address the issue of derelict vessels in Suva Harbour have shown significant progress, as 17 out of 44 floating derelict ships have been scuttled at the owner’s expense and subsequently resold for scrapping. Ro Filipe Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Public Works and Transport, announced that the Marine Environment Joint Committee, formed in August 2024 by the Coalition Government, is spearheading these removal initiatives.
As of December 2022, there were 44 derelict vessels in the harbour, and with ongoing efforts, this number has now decreased to 29. Recently, the committee confirmed the removal of two additional ships, MV Sea Rakino and MV Sea Will, on January 31, 2025, with plans for the Zhong Da 2 to be scuttled the following week.
The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited is preparing to issue 29 removal orders by February 7, 2025, to continue addressing the derelict ships issue. In response to the presence of partially and fully submerged vessels, the Government plans to release an Expression of Interest (EOI) on February 1, 2025, for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on the removal of these vessels. This study, which is funded by UNESCAP, aims to evaluate the costs associated with removing the vessels and to formulate a comprehensive strategy based on their conditions and how long they have been submerged.
Furthermore, the Government is committed to improving surveillance within ports to enhance early detection and response to possible oil spills or pollution incidents. To bolster public awareness, there will also be intensified efforts to educate citizens about proper procedures for reporting maritime environmental hazards.
The public is encouraged to report any oil spills or concerns regarding maritime environmental issues by contacting the Fiji Maritime Surveillance and Rescue Coordination Centre (FMSRCC) through the toll-free hotline 1539, ensuring that authorities can act swiftly.
In summary, these concerted actions highlight the government’s commitment to protecting marine environments and addressing the challenges posed by derelict vessels. With proactive measures in place, there is hope for a cleaner and safer maritime area that benefits both the ecosystem and the local community.
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