Fewer ships are seeking annual dry-docking repairs and certification because of the pandemic.

It is therefore important for Fiji to attract shipowners says managing director, Captain Rufus D’cruz of Chacal Maritime Engineering Pte Ltd.

Chacal Maritime Engineering Pte Ltd manages the floating dock in Lautoka that provides a full range of services for the Hull, Machinery and Electricity of ships.

“Every vessel will spend five percent of its operating costs in repairs and another 15 percent in flights, accommodation and other services in the country of the repairs.”

“Therefore, it is important for Fiji to attract shipowners to spend that here in Fiji rather than elsewhere by providing the key with ship repair capabilities,” he said.

Captain Rufus D’cruz has been in the international shipping industry world-wide for nearly 40 years.

He adds that major investments such a floating dry-dock is required for the ship repair industry.

Captain Rufus said such investment would help to keep up with the increasing sizes of ships that operate in the Pacific.

“There is a decrease in the number of ships caused by the border closures and travel restrictions for crew and technical managers not only in Fiji but in other countries.”

“However we are seeing changes and many inquiries from the shipowners,” he said.

Lautoka floating dock has a capacity to accommodate 6000 metric tonnes which is more than the typical weigh of vessels which is 1200-2500 metric tonnes.

Captain Rufus intend to work towards operating the float dock to maximum capacity with the relaxing of travel restrictions.

He thanked the Government who assisted with the clearing of foreign vessels coming into Fiji.

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