The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced plans to remove 34 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour next month. According to CEO Joweli Cawaki, the vessels will be relocated to deeper waters to facilitate their scrapping, as efforts to remove them from Draunibota Bay were hindered by shallow conditions.
Cawaki noted that the MSAF is in discussions with a Chinese company based in Nausori, which previously assisted in the removal of an abandoned ship in the area. Official operations are scheduled to commence on January 15, aided by this partnership.
In addition, the MSAF is collaborating with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) to conduct a feasibility study on the sunken ships present in Fiji’s waters. A local company will be tasked with examining the associated costs and identifying other critical factors relevant to the project.
Efforts are also underway to secure funding through the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), although this will depend on the results obtained from the feasibility study. Currently, MSAF is relying on its existing knowledge and experience as they navigate this initial phase.
In a call to action, Cawaki urged coastal landowners to assist in the removal of the derelict vessels, emphasizing the need for deeper ocean areas to ensure that marine life remains undisturbed during the scrapping process.
This initiative not only addresses the immediate environmental concern posed by the derelict vessels but also demonstrates a proactive approach to marine safety and sustainability in Fiji. By removing these vessels, the MSAF is taking significant steps toward preserving the health of the local marine ecosystem while also fostering collaboration with international and local partners.
Overall, this endeavor is a hopeful sign of Fiji’s commitment to tackling maritime challenges and enhancing its environmental stewardship.
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