The Maritime Environment Joint Committee says works to remove derelict vessels in the Suva harbour and Draunibota Bay in Lami will commence later this year.
From the initial 44 vessels identified, eight have been scuttled or sunk at the owner’s expense, four were resold, and two were scrapped.
“We were left with 29 vessels but our team recently found more vessels so the number now stands at 35,” said Joweli Cawaki, committee chairman and chief executive of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
“The committee was formed in August 2024. At the start of our work, there was pressure from the Rewa Provincial Council, the Navukavu community, and even residents of Lami and Suva.
“When you look out to the harbour expecting to see something good, all you see are these vessels – rust buckets – in the harbour.”
Mr Cawaki said the use of the law was instrumental in their approach.
“We used the Seaport Management Act, MSAF Act, the Maritime Transport Act, Ship Registration Act – we used the law as a stick to remove all these vessels.
“We had a meeting with all the boat owners and agents that are still here and told them we’re going to remove your vessel if it’s not fit for purpose.
“We have three options: if the vessel is not fit for further purpose and rusted, then we’ll scuttle it in waters more than 1000 metres from Suva, about 15-20 miles towards Kadavu.”
The second option was scrapping.
“Companies like J Dayal Steel in Ba and others that use these materials and buy raw materials from China, we can give these boats to them for scrapping.”
The third option was using the derelicts for recreational activities.
“I had a meeting with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive yesterday (Monday). They are sending the message to resorts to offer them the option.
“If they want, we’ll clean, clear and tow the vessel to a site close to the resort, but at a depth of more than 30 metres so it doesn’t block or impede navigation channels.”
