SEVEN derelict vessels have been removed from the Suva Harbour in 2026.
Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya said this was part of the 44 derelict vessels identified by the Joint Maritime Enforcement Committee in 2024.
“To date the official list of derelict vessels in the Suva Harbour has reduced from 44 vessels in 2024 to 24 vessels,” she said.
“In 2025, 13 vessels were removed and since January this year, seven further vessels have been removed.
“This includes six vessels restored to operational status and removed from Suva Ports limits and one vessel safely scuttled at the approved coordinates provided by MSAF (Marine Safety Authority of Fiji).”
Ms Tabuya said for the vessels to be removed, an Environment Impact Assessment must be carried out which the owners of each vessel must apply for.
She said derelict vessels off the coast of Mosquito Island were yet to be screened under the EIA process.
“In order for derelict vessels to be removed, it needs to be done by the owner first – to apply for that same process, that is, an EIA screening application, which we have not received for (Mosquito Island) vessels either.
“Of course, MSAF or even Fiji Ports need to discuss it between themselves as to who is responsible to issue the removal order, and then we will be able to do our job.
Meanwhile, Ms Tabuya said legal action is an avenue the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji could pursue against owners of derelict vessels.
She was responding to Opposition Member Faiyaz Koya who asked why the matter of a 10-year-old grounded vessel in Levuka has not been taken to court. “It could go to court, but again the primary authority of areas outside of Fiji Ports’ jurisdiction is MSAF,” she said.
“So, it would be for MSAF to take the owners to court, not the Department of Environment.
“We will only act under the Environmental Management Act when a process has been initiated, and that is an EIA screening application.
