Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena is hopeful that other derelict vessel owners will take cue from Cruz Holdings Limited in removing their vessels from within port boundaries.

Mr Piyasena made the comment following the successful removal of the sunken Southern Phoenix from the Suva Harbour last Saturday.

“FPCL remains hopeful that other derelict vessel owners will utilize this opportunity to have their vessels removed from the area within port boundary,” Mr Piyasena said.

Under the Seaport Management Regulation Act 2005, removal of derelict vessels within port boundaries is the responsibility of the owner.

The removal of the Southern Phoenix is also done under the supervision of Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).

In a media release by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Acting MSAF CEO Captain Phillip Hill said all structures, including accommodation have been cut off and sunk at the provided scuttling position which is beyond 1000m in water depth outside the Suva Harbour.

Captain Hill said the positive outcome of the removal of this cargo vessel was through the joint collaboration of the vessel owner Cruz Holdings Limited, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and MSAF.

“The ship is further stabilised at the sunken position, this is preparing to move the hull to the standby mooring for the final tow out to the scuttling position,” Captain Hill said.

“The hull of the ship is the remaining part of the vessel that needs to be scuttled,” he said.

The vessel has been observed not to have any breach to the hull therefore supports the salvage methods.

Captain Hill said all approvals for relevant authorities were obtained in 2018 prior to the commencement of the salvage operation.

“We want the scuttling operation to be done in a very careful and efficient manner and that the scuttling process does not pose any threat to other vessels in terms of navigation,” he said.

The Southern Phoenix had sunk in May, 2017.