THE Government has moved to tackle the long-standing problem of abandoned and derelict vessels scattered across Suva Harbour, a risk officials say becomes more acute during the cyclone season.
Addressing Parliament on Monday, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said a coordinated inter-agency effort was now under way to strengthen surveillance, enforcement and maritime safety.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL), the Fiji Navy, Water Police and the Ministry of Environment are jointly working to prevent drifting vessels, collisions and marine pollution.
Mr Tuisawau told MPs the initiative has been boosted by a $US1 million ($F2.29m) commitment from the Waitt Foundation under its Derelict Vessel Removal Programme.
The funding will support the removal of abandoned vessels and the strengthening of maritime legislation.
Three expressions of interest have been received for the removal contract and are now undergoing joint evaluation.
The Terms of Reference are expected to be signed on December 1, 2025, with physical removal works scheduled to begin later in the month.
The project is targeted for completion by July 31, 2026.
Mr Tuisawau added that a legislative review was already in progress to prevent future cases of vessel abandonment, a recurring problem that has posed navigation hazards and created environmental risks in the busy harbour.
The Ministry is also seeking Cabinet approval to establish a Joint Maritime Environmental Committee and to pursue Fiji’s accession to the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, an international agreement that obliges shipowners to promptly remove hazardous wrecks.
Mr Tuisawau said both measures would strengthen long-term maritime safety, improve compliance, and build Fiji’s resilience during increasingly severe weather events.
