FUEL supply has been noted as one of the challenges faced by cruise line companies when visiting the South Pacific.
A report released by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation titled Pacific Cruise Market Research and Intelligence Project – Final Report 2015 stated that while there is fuel in Fiji, it is very expensive and delivery of fuel is a problem.
“There are very few places in the Pacific that have supply of bunker fuel (IFO), an essential prerequisite to running consecutive turnaround operations. The only ports with plentiful supply around the region are Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Port Moresby (Cairns is not able to supply cruise ships),” the report stated.
“There is fuel in Fiji but very expensive and delivered by barge, thus problematic in bad weather.”
However, the report further stated that fuel availability was not an issue.
“No cruise ship in the region needs to refuel with current deployment patterns. It only becomes a serious issue when the opportunity of fly-cruises in the Pacific is taken up,” the report stated.
The report also stated that Fiji’s location in the Pacific region made it a number one choice for destination for many cruise line companies.
Fiji is placed alongside Australia and New Zealand as top destinations in the Pacific.
“Fiji is better known and has stronger market appeal than most other Pacific Island nations. So, to a large extent, it is the cruise liners that are driving the tourism to Pacific nations, the tourists are trusting the line to deliver them a wonderful vacation, they are now aware of what to expect, other than the destinations will be safe.”
