Expected to create a safer working environment for workers and for the cargoes they handle 

 Effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston has not dampened the spirits of our visitors and we continue to be on track for another bumper year for tourism this year.

Fiji Ports Terminal Limited has just procured modern lifting gears and spreaders worth $275,000 from reputable overseas-based companies.

The investment is part of the company’s long term Port Efficiency Enhancement Plan and to deliver quality services to its clients.

In addition to these, Fiji Ports Terminal also intends to acquire three more spreaders and lifting gears during the latter part of the year, confirmed chairman, Hasmukh Patel.

While these equipment are expected to further improve efficiencies, Mr Patel said they also expect to create a safe working environment for their workers and for the cargoes they handle.

The new lifting gears were purchased from Bridon Cookes NZ Limited at a cost of $100,000 and the spreaders were bought from Tec Container, SA, Spain valued at $175,000.

“Fiji Ports Terminal Limited has come a long way since the inception of the public private partnership with Aitken Spence PLC dating back to August 2013,” Mr Patel said.

“During this period, the organisation has undergone various major reforms that have resulted in the enhancement of significant overall port productivity and efficiency.

“Our main area of focus has been the introduction of new technologies, modern equipment and more importantly, a well-trained and capable workforce.

“We remain committed to accomplishing our mission of transforming Fiji into an internationally recognised maritime hub.”

As it stands currently, Ports Terminal Limited’s efficiency rate already stands at 100 per cent now.

This is compared to 25 to 30 per cent a few months after the initial public-private partnership with Aitken Spence PLC.

Improving efficiency

While improving efficiency and productivity at the wharves have been a difficult task, Ports Terminal Limited has been able to achieve this with bringing in quality equipment.

Mr Patel confirmed they have invested between $6 million to $7 million in quality equipment for both the Port of Suva and Port of Lautoka.

“That really helps because of what our function is which is whenever a ship berths at Suva or Lautoka wharf, we need to unload the cargo and load new cargo as quickly as possible,” he said.

“This is so that the ship can depart and continue its journey and carry on with their business. The bigger delay it experiences out here is revenue they lose.”

To achieve this, you don’t only need manpower but also good equipment.

Mr Patel said the lifting gears, reach stackers and all other equipment need to be in good operating condition so that they are able to achieve the inefficiencies they are targeting.

“So in the past three years, we have spent a lot and brought in a lot of equipment and we do have a plan to bring in more equipment in the next year or so,” he said.

“But if you go around the ports facility right now, you can see a lot of new equipment that wasn’t there before.”

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