Suva’s covered slipway operator, South Sea Slipway Limited (SSSL) is working on attracting more foreign vessels to choose Fiji as a destination to undertake their ship repair and maintenance works.

This is in line with the company’s commitment in working to ensure the reputation of Suva as the premier repair port in the South Pacific.

Following the purchase of two computerised lathe machines in 2013 by the company, work has become much easier for the workers.

It is understood the computerised lathe machines were purchased at around $300,000.

SSSL managing director, Radhika Kumar said: “The boys at the slipway are fully trained on how to operate these machines and it has improved their level of productivity.”

Ms Kumar said the computerized lathe machines are the first for Fiji to her knowledge.

It was reported earlier that Government though the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s National Export’s Strategy partially financed the investment in the tune of $100,272.

SSSL is a specialist “small ship” slipway and engineering works that can handle ships up to 400 tonnes.

“Our specialty is in the maintenance and handling of the Fijian and overseas fishing fleet using the port of Suva.”

“We can do any type of shafts, propellers and other things with this new lathe machines but before we had to go to other places to get it done.”