The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has scuttled over forty abandoned ships since 2014. MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, clarified that scuttling involves the sinking of derelict vessels.
Cawaki stated that while recovering these vessels is expensive, they utilize a method of scuttling, which involves sinking ships approximately 20 miles south of Suva in waters exceeding 1,000 metres in depth.
The process requires vessel owners to notify MSAF in writing if their ships are no longer in use and need to be scuttled. Cawaki explained that a specialized machine drills holes into the vessel to facilitate sinking. Recently, MSAF completed the scuttling of the MV Uluinabukelevu from Kadavu.
The cost for scuttling is approximately $189, which is a flat rate, though vessel owners must arrange their own towing services. Before scuttling, the ship must be cleaned to eliminate any oil or waste, and consent from the boat owner is necessary.
Under the standard operating procedure for scuttling, costs include a special survey costing $46, a Tow Master Plan at $28.75, and scuttling tow arrangements totaling $115, bringing the total to $189.75. The shipowner must submit a request letter and pay the necessary fees to MSAF. After the vessel is cleaned, MSAF will conduct final inspections before granting approval for scuttling.
The pollution officer will complete an inspection report for the Manager Safety Compliance and Response (MCSR), which, along with navigation officer assistance, will provide an approval letter with specific coordinates and depth for the scuttling. This approval letter must then be submitted to Fiji Ports. Shipowners have the option to use a tug or another vessel for towing but need to ensure their ship has completed a special survey and has a tow plan in place.
Cawaki noted that some shipowners are also considering turning in their old vessels for scrap metal.