The upgrading of Yard 3 of Lautoka Port will ensure a much safer environment for container handling operations and compliance with international Port standards.

This is the assurance from Fiji Ports Corporation Limited as upgrade works on this project are nearing completion.

Chief Executive Officer Vajira Piyasena expects the remainder of the yard to be open soon, as half of the container yard has already been open for Port operations.

Some of the upgrade works on Yard three includes the new pavement area that will ensure containers are stacked throughout the yard area.

“The old, unsealed Yard 3 surface was in very poor condition with major areas of ponding around the yard resulting in reduced container storage space,” he said.

“The uneven surface resulted in safety risk when handling & stacking containers but now the new pavement removes unsafe steep slopes and ensures a safe platform for storing and handling containers.”

He adds that part of the upgrade works is to also reduce issues concerning biohazard with dirty containers being transported abroad.

“The yard surface was low-lying in relation to sea level, resulting in flooding on the yard during king tides and stormy weather,” Mr Piyasena said.

“The yard area has also been raised therefore reduce chances of flooding and help reduce the effects of climate change on Port operations.”

New reefer distribution boards have also been installed to increase the Ports capacity to store reefer containers.

Total capacity of the container yard is up to approximately 1750 TEU.

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