Major ports across Fiji are set to undergo significant transformations aimed at enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities and promoting sustainable economic growth. Tomasi Sauqaqa, the Chief Infrastructure Officer, announced an ambitious 5- to 20-year development plan that focuses on substantial investments to upgrade seaports and ship repair facilities, essential for managing the bulk of the country’s trade.
The Fiji Ports Corporation currently oversees 60% of trade through Suva and 40% through Lautoka. Recently, the corporation allocated $12 million for slipway upgrades and $6 million for maintenance dredging, with a projected $50 million earmarked for the complete refurbishment of the King’s South Terminal. Sauqaqa noted that by the next decade, the Port of Suva will require an additional capacity to handle between 80,000 and 100,000 TEUs, and he highlighted the necessity of developing a new port due to the assessment that Levuka Port is beyond repair.
This redevelopment initiative aligns with recent projects at Lautoka Port, which were inaugurated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as part of the government’s broader strategy to position Fiji as a central player in regional logistics. These projects aim to improve operational efficiency and address the increasing cargo influx from Asia and America, marking a pivotal moment in Fiji’s maritime history.
Overall, as Fiji invests in its port infrastructure and maritime capabilities, there is cautious optimism for the future, not only for enhancing trade efficiency but also for stimulating sustainable economic growth and job creation in the maritime sector.
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