FIJI’S maritime security strategy will guide efforts to protect the country’s vast ocean resources, strengthen inter-agency coordination and address emerging threats, as Cabinet advances plans to develop the country’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities.
Cabinet endorsed the Fiji Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2035 last week, setting out a framework to strengthen national maritime security while reinforcing Fiji’s role as a regional partner in the Blue Pacific.
According to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), more than 96 per cent of Fiji’s trade is transported by sea, making maritime security critical to the country’s economy, infrastructure and national interests.
In a statement, MSAF said the strategy addressed key challenges, including transnational crime, illegal fishing, threats to national sovereignty, climate and environmental risks, cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in critical maritime infrastructure.
The strategy focuses on seven areas: maritime governance, intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, infrastructure resilience, environmental security, cybersecurity and regional cooperation.
It also proposes establishing a Maritime Senior Officials Committee to oversee implementation, strengthen coordination across Government agencies and monitor progress.
MSAF said implementation would proceed in three phases, beginning with governance arrangements and foundational reforms before moving to capability development, operational integration and long-term maritime resilience.
Delivery would use existing Government structures and remain subject to annual planning, budgeting and appropriation processes.
The strategy is expected to strengthen the protection of Fiji’s maritime resources and critical infrastructure, support resource-owning communities and improve regional and international cooperation.
