The Republic of Fijian Navy ship, Kikau, is once again in the hands of the Fijian Navy after a significant restorative re­pair at the Norship shipyard in Cairns, Australia.

With the final stages of the repairs and trials completed the vessel has been handed back to the Govern­ment of Fiji, represented by the Support Commander of the Fijian Navy, CMDR Marika Vosawale.

Along with the Kikau’s crew and Norship Marine staff, on hand for the handover ceremony was the chief executive officer of the Nor­ship Marine, Olav Groot, and the Director General Specialist Ships, Commodore Wendy Malcolm RAN.

The crew of the Kikau performed a special version of the Fijian dance known as the meke to honour those who had dedicated their efforts into repairing the vessel.

The Commanding Officer, LCDR Joseva Tunidau, and his crew will now spend time at HMAS Cairns preparing for the upcoming multi-national exercise, Exercise Kakadu, based out of Darwin before return­ing to Fiji at the end of September.

The repairs and upgrade are a con­tinuation of Australia’s significant investment in Fiji’s maritime se­curity and enforcement capability, with approximately AUD13 million (FJ$20 million) committed to the re­pair of Kikau.

Fiji’s Pacific Patrol Boats provide significant capability to conduct maritime surveillance, counter il­legal fishing, conduct search and rescue, and provide humanitarian assistance.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Pro­gramme will be succeeded by the Pacific Maritime Security Pro­gramme, which will deliver 21 mod­ern Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor- Leste from late 2018, and introduce region-wide aerial surveillance to enhance the effectiveness of patrol assets.

Source: Australian High Commission