Business As Usual: Fiji Ports

Fiji Ports Terminal Limited (FPTL) says there has been no change to the number of vessels calling in at Kings wharf in Suva.

Chief executive officer Hasthika Dela said the volume of imports and exports have not changed either.

Container exchange

When the Queens wharf in Lautoka closed following a confinement zone restriction brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, container exchange at the Port of Suva increased, he said.

Cargo ships arriving in Suva carried essential goods such as food, pharmaceutical and manufacturing materials, and daily consumables, Mr Dela said.

“We are fully prepared and do not foresee any interruption to port operations during curfew hours,” Mr Dela said.

Traffic at Fiji Ports is to and from New Zealand, Australian, Asian and other island ports.

FPTL has implemented stringent measures to protect its employees from COVID-19, Mr Dela said.

Measures

Mr Dela said no crew member was permitted to disembark vessels calling in at the Kings wharf.

FPTL has not made any structural or employment changes since Fiji reported its first case of coronavirus, he said.

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