CONTAINER ship traffic is set to intensify at the Port of Suva this month, with a packed schedule underscoring the capital’s role as a regional maritime hub.
The Fiji Ports Terminal Ltd schedule for this month shows that 27 containerships are expected to call at Suva this month, marking a steady flow of cargo movements through the country’s busiest port.
The containership arrivals include the MSC Lucia III, Imua, Micronesian Pride, Frida Russ, Capitaine Wallis, Kota Hapas, Neptune Matua, Papuan Chief, MSC Corcovado III, Liloa II, Carpenters Orion, Tropical Islander, NPDL Tahiti, Capitaine Tasman, MSC Davao III, Noumea Chief, Capitaine Tupaia, Southern Pearl, Olomana, Medkon Ten, Tongan Chief, Takutai Chief, South Islander and Kota Harum.
Beyond containerships, port activity will be further bolstered by a diverse mix of vessels.
These include three vehicle carriers, five cruise ships, one wheat carrier, two oil tankers, an additional two tankers, a research vessel and a cable ship, highlighting the scope of maritime operations moving through Suva.
Fuel shipments are also part of the month’s schedule.
The oil tanker Morning Glory is expected to arrive on Monday, April 20, following the earlier arrival of Esteem Discovery, which docked on April 6.
Adding a scientific dimension to port activity, the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson arrived in Suva yesterday.
The 274-foot global class oceanographic vessel, operated by the University of Washington under the UNOLS fleet, supports multidisciplinary research across the globe.
Delivered in 1991 and retrofitted in 2017, the vessel can accommodate up to 36 scientists and 21 crew.
Meanwhile, cruise tourism continues to contribute to port traffic. The Celebrity Solstice, which berthed in Lautoka yesterday, is scheduled to arrive in Suva today.
The Island Princess is expected next Tuesday, April 21, with planned calls in Suva and Dravuni.
Earlier this month, Celebrity Edge, Vista and Carnival Luminosa also made port calls on April 3 and April 6.
With commercial cargo, fuel deliveries, scientific missions and tourism vessels all converging, April is shaping up to be one of the busier months for the Port of Suva.
