Restrictions have been placed at the Levuka Port, Ovalau. This follows a thorough inspection of the Levuka Port facilities by authorities.
In a public notice to Levuka residents this week, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited said it would limit berthing at Levuka to “birth one only and a reduction of load limit to two-tonne vehicles only”.
This was made effective from Monday, October 13, to “ensure public safety from risks of infrastructure failure”, FPCL says.
FPCL is looking at options to delay further deterioration of berth 1.
“After the condition rating and load path analysis is completed, we will provide further recommendation on the utilization of Levuka Wharf.”
“Furthermore, we will only be allowing two vehicles at a time depending on the weight, therefore loading and offloading will occur from 5am to 7pm or till operations are completed with FPCL staff to monitor.”
Local inter-island shipping companies have been advised to communicate these changes with their customers.
Goundar Shipping Limited, in a social media post, said the company was “seriously concerned” about the recent decision to restrict the use of Levuka wharf without consultation with stakeholders and local businesses.
GSL says most vessel ramps using the jetty could handle seven to 15 tons.
The company has called on government to consult with stakeholders and reconsider its decision.
Business owners, Marilyn and John Milesi, in a letter to The Fiji Times, said it was so sad to see the “potential demise of Levuka”, adding that “this latest decision was apparently made without consultation of both the ferry operators and our local community”.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu had met with senior management of Fiji Ports to discuss the state of Levuka wharf in January 2024.
Government allocated $12 million for jetty rehabilitation, and sustained support for maritime freight subsidies to improve services to outer islands, in the 2025-2026 National Budget. Jetty upgrades are earmarked for Koro, Moala, Lomaloma, Vunisea, Nabouwalu, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi.
