$120m Vuvale Maritime Centre opens, boosts jobs and security
The Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre creates 1,275 jobs; Australia and Fiji celebrate milestone in regional cooperation.
Friday 03 October 2025 | 05:30
The newly-opened Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre Naval base in Lami on October 3, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
The construction of the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre at the Naval Base in Lami has provided employment to 1,275 Fijian workers over the past two years, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced.
Speaking at the official opening of the $120 million facility today, Mr Marles said more than 1,400 contracts were signed with Fijian partners for the delivery of the centre.
"Over the last two years, this was a massive endeavour to bring us to this day," Mr Marles said.
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"The facility represents a significant investment from the Australian government of AU$83 million."
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (left), and Deputy Australian Prime Minister Richard Marles during the opening of the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre at the Naval base in Lami on October 3, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the construction had been a great boost to Fiji's economy.
"Over the two years, it has provided employment to 1,275 workers and has been a great input into our GDP and the social well-being of our people," Mr Rabuka said.
The centre, which was transformed from jungle land, now houses multiple government agencies under one roof including the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police, Customs, Fisheries, and the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
Mr Marles described the facility as one of the biggest infrastructure investments Australia has made anywhere in the world.
"Along with our investment in Black Rock, these are the two most significant investments that Australia has made in respect of Fiji," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also announced a 20-year sustainment package for both Black Rock and the maritime centre to ensure the facilities remain at the cutting edge of their capability.
Mr Rabuka thanked Australia for the partnership, describing the centre as more than just a building but a symbol of Fiji's commitment to protect its maritime domain. The centre will coordinate Fiji's maritime security efforts and serve as a regional hub for the Pacific.
