The Government of Fiji is exploring investment options to revive its shipbuilding industry and has invited expressions of interest from businesses who are keen for this joint venture.
A social media notice on the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd Facebook page this week said there was land available for this opportunity with basic infrastructure and facilities for shipbuilding.
The Government would also get its own shipbuilding requirements met through this project for at least five years.
The notice said the business model would be based on a joint venture involving Fiji Ships and Heavy Industry Limited, which is a subsidiary of Fiji Ports Corporation Pte Limited.
Both foreign and local investor’s would be expected to bring in their own capital, technology, and design capabilities.
Any proposals needed to include the amount of investment for the project, description of technology and design capabilities, and background of previous investment involvement in this area. Submissions of proposals are expected to be received by Friday, September 22.
In July this year, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, announced plans to revitalise the shipbuilding industry in Fiji. Mr Rabuka 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.
He said the Government was considering the construction of two new undercover graving docks on the western side of Viti Levu.
This would 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 also revealed then that Government was in discussions with Queensland-based Sea Transport in the design of the shipyard and the possibility to supply the kits of their proven designs, enabling fast building and commissioning of vessels.
For new vessels, Government was considering a shipbuilding design of ‘Stern Landing Vessels’ and constructing medium roro and passenger catamarans for coastal routes between mini ports.
