To revitalise the shipbuilding industry in Fiji, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government is considering the construction of two new under cover graving docks in western of Viti Levu.
“This is to ensure 24-hour dry and cool conditions for workers constructing or repairing commercial, defence and luxury vessels up to 100 metres in length,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said in its heyday, the Suva Shipyard was a significant source of skills training and specialisation for the nation — in particular for welders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, draftsmen and administrators.
The PM said Government was in discussions with Queensland-based Sea Transport in the design of the shipyard and the possibility of supplying kits of proven designs to enable the fast building and commissioning of vessels.
“For new vessels, Government is considering a shipbuilding design of ‘stern landing vessels’.
This shipbuilding design was developed for the region 30 years ago as a safer and more economical alternative to landing barges.
“This design is a possible solution to rebuilding the domestic fleet of cargo vessels, as well as vessels suitable for emergency response and defence.”
Mr Rabuka said to reduce truck traffic and annual road repair allocation, Government was also considering the construction of medium roll-on, roll-off passenger catamarans for coastal routes between mini ports.
