Fiji’s ports and waters are not a dumping ground, says the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu.
Responding strongly against revelations of the ‘gross lapse’ by Goundar Shipping Ltd that breached Fiji’s maritime safety statutes, environmental protection laws, and common law obligations, Mr Bulitavu said the company had violated multiple maritime safety and environmental laws.
“There are no exemptions when it comes to environmental protection,” he said.
“We will not allow Fiji’s ports and waters to become dumping grounds.”
According to the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, the Lomaiviti Princess II owned by Goundar Shipping Ltd had been non-operational since 2019.
“On June 2, the vessel began listing, prompting Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) to tow it to anchorage to prevent a catastrophic capsize at Muaiwalu II Wharf.
“FPCL acted under Regulation 78 of the Sea Ports Management Regulations 2008, which authorises port management to remove a vessel when directions are not complied with or if the vessel poses a threat to safety.
“GSL had failed to act on formal removal directives issued by FPCL, raising concerns about risks to port users and the environment.”
FPCL deployed containment booms to manage the spill, with further underwater inspection and sludge removal expected to take four to eight weeks.
A formal inquiry into the matter has been ordered by the Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
