The marina at Nawi Island’s multi-million-dollar integrated tourism development project in Savusavu is currently underway. The estimated time of completion is in September.

The Nawi Island Limited project is a two-phase development.

Phase 1 includes the marina, arrival jetty and the dry dock facility in Balaga bay to cater for boat maintenance, repairs, fueling, pump out and safe harbouring along with the sale of 38 real estate.

Phase 2 is the resort and spa which will also feature 20 luxury marina condos and 20 luxury beach front bures.

GC Marine based in Queensland, Australia, specialising in water- front and marine construction, is delivering the marina project.

Its managing director, Matthew Browning is currently in Savusavu to oversee the installation of the components of the marina which was constructed on the Gold Coast then transported here.

The entire development is expect- ed to be a major attraction for the burgeoning array of superyachts that have taken to the seas amid a boom in the multi-billion-dollar global luxury boat industry.

The marina also augurs well for Government’s Blue Lane Initiative that was launched in July 2020 to lure yachties and boat owners seeking to escape the winters abroad. Following queries sent to GC Marine, Adrian Bold from marketing said with the estimated completion, the first sections (SY2 and Pier 4) are intended for handover in April 2022.

Project cost and details

GC Marine’s build contract alone accounts for AU$8.9 million (about FJ$13.65 million) however it is understood that the whole project in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Fabrication of components commenced on Australia’s Gold Coast late last year along with shipping of our installation equipment,” he said of the marina project.

“As of today, many components have already been delivered with construction underway on Nawi Island.”

In terms of employment, 20 Fijians are being engaged for assembling the components with the intention of offering ongoing roles once completed.

Why Fiji?

This is the first project for the company in Fiji and plans to set up a branch here taking advantage of strategic hub location.

“We have a growing focus on serving the South Pacific into the future and we plan to base operations in Fiji,” he said.

“Fiji is a wonderful place.

“It also has suitable port infra- structure for us to import and ex- port our installation fleet and project components.

“So it makes sense for us to base ourselves in Fiji whether we are upgrading or building new marinas here or anywhere between New Caledonia and French Polynesia.”

The company has previously de- livered projects abroad such as Papua New Guinea.

“We hope all Fijians – especially the locals of Vanua Levu – will enjoy the economic benefits Nawi Island will bring once fully completed,” Mr Bold said.

“GC Marine has a mission to design, develop and deliver world- class quality marine infrastructure and we look forward to the ongoing sustainable management of the island development.”

Nawi Island Limited was contacted further for queries on the entirety of the project. Responses were not received when this article went to press.