The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) is seeking legal action on the removal of the two sunken vessels belonging to Venu Shipping Limited.

FPCL chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena said the MV Suilven capsized on November 24 while entering Suva Harbour.

He said the cost for the removal of the MV Suilven is in excess of F$41 million (US$20 m).

This according to Mr Piyasena was after the assessment made by the Arden Salvaging Company from New Zealand in March this year.

The Sinuwasa 1 sank at the Levuka Port.

Mr Piyasena said the removal order had been given to the company.

“We are ready to remove the two vessels, but the costs will be paid by Venu Shipping Limited,” he said.

However he said they could not remove the MV Suilven because there was no guarantee from the company they could be paid.

He said he understood the removal of the MV Suilven had come to a standstill because of the cost.

The MV Suilven is not causing any immediate threat to navigation.

At the moment the owner of the Venue Shipping is in a process of removing his vessel in Levuka the Sinuwasa 1.

Fiji Sun has been trying to contact Ben Naidu on the removal of the vessel, but he was not available.

The Sinuwasa 1 has been causing obstruction to the Pacific Fishing Company Limited (PAFCO) wharf operation in Levuka.