Fiji Ports Corporation Limited says a major initiative is underway to remove derelict vessels from Suva Harbour as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and maritime safety.
In a statement, FPCL confirmed it played a key role in establishing the Joint Maritime Environment Committee (JMEC) in 2025 to improve coordination across Fiji’s maritime sector.
The committee includes representatives from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Department of Environment, the Republic of Fiji Navy and other agencies focused on protecting Fiji’s marine environment.
According to FPCL, the committee is working on coordinated strategies relating to waste management, emissions control, oil spill response and the long-standing issue of abandoned vessels within Suva Harbour.
The Corporation said the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute had provided JMEC with a 12-month timeline to remove derelict vessels from the harbour.
The initiative follows the launch of the Jonathan Smith Derelict Vessel Removal Fund in 2025, which secured US$1 million, equivalent to about FJ$2.25 million, to support cleanup and vessel removal operations.
FPCL said the funding would assist in removing vessels posing environmental and navigational risks.
Seventeen high-priority derelict vessels have already been identified for removal under the initiative.
FPCL said it remained committed to protecting Fiji’s marine environment, maintaining port safety and strengthening collaboration with national and international partners to address derelict vessel risks within Suva Harbour.
