The Government of Fiji, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has officially commissioned the IMO Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific — the first dedicated IMO office in the region. Based in Suva, the RPO will act as a regional hub to strengthen maritime governance, safety, environmental protection and the transition to cleaner shipping across Pacific Island countries.
Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, described the office as a milestone for regional cooperation. “This office belongs to all of us,” he said, underlining that while the RPO is based in Fiji its purpose and benefits will extend to all Pacific Island nations. He noted the office’s role in supporting ambitions from maritime safety and pollution prevention to decarbonisation and legislative reform, and linked it to Fiji’s own transport reforms, including a National Transport Sector Master Plan, a transport decarbonisation strategy and ongoing legislative reviews.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez highlighted the central role of maritime transport for Pacific economies and communities, calling shipping a “lifeline” that connects island populations to essential services and trade. He said the Suva office will enhance regional capacity, coordination and representation at the IMO while helping to advance cleaner, more resilient shipping solutions. SPC Deputy Director-General Dr Paula Vivili reaffirmed the SPC–IMO partnership, noting more than two decades of collaboration in training, technical assistance and legislative support and saying the RPO responds to members’ calls for stronger coordination and tailored support to implement IMO instruments.
Operational details and regional context
– The Suva-based office will initially operate from SPC’s Lotus Building and provide technical expertise and coordination among Pacific Island nations, regional bodies and global maritime governance structures.
– The RPO will support implementation of IMO instruments, capacity building, training, technical assistance and policy support — including work on pollution prevention and the decarbonisation of shipping.
– The office arrives as the IMO advances a global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping; regional involvement will be vital for aligning local policies with international commitments and initiatives such as the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership.
– Maritime connectivity is critical across the Pacific: the region supports thousands of registered vessels and relies on seaborne transport for goods, services and connectivity between islands.
Why this matters
Placing an IMO presence in Suva strengthens the ability to deliver tailored, timely support to Pacific Island countries. Proximity to SPC and national authorities can speed legislative drafting and review, training delivery, and technical assistance — helping nations meet international obligations and improve maritime safety, pollution response and climate resilience. A regional office can also amplify Pacific voices in global maritime discussions, ensuring local perspectives shape international rules and decarbonisation measures.
Additional comments and expectations
– The RPO is likely to focus on country outreach, workshops, and direct technical advice to help implement IMO conventions and national regulatory reforms.
– Early priorities may include supporting national compliance audits, maritime safety capacity building, pollution prevention planning and assisting with decarbonisation strategies and access to funding or technical partnerships.
– Coordinated work with SPC, regional agencies and donors will be important to scale training and to mainstream maritime considerations into broader resilience and development plans.
Brief summary
Fiji, SPC and the IMO have launched the IMO Regional Presence Office in Suva to provide dedicated regional support for maritime safety, pollution prevention and shipping decarbonisation across Pacific Island nations. The RPO will initially operate from SPC’s Lotus Building, strengthen technical assistance and coordination, and support Pacific countries’ efforts to implement IMO instruments and meet climate and safety objectives.
Hopeful perspective
By bringing IMO capacity closer to the Pacific, the new office offers a practical route to speed up reforms, boost safety and environmental protection, and accelerate the region’s transition to cleaner shipping — benefits that can strengthen resilience, safeguard marine environments and support sustainable economic links between islands.
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