Fijian seafarers axed: 50 jobs lost as NPDL contracts end

At least 50 Fijian seafarers have lost their jobs after Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) chose not to renew their contracts.

This matter has sparked concern over possible discrimination and lack of transparency.

Assistant Minister for Transport Naisa Tuinaceva confirmed the ministry held a ‘talanoa’ session with the Institute of Maritime Officers Guild (IMOG), but an official submission on the matter is still awaited.

The affected include 12 senior officers, many of whom remain unemployed since their contracts ended earlier this year.

Sources say most were replaced by Indian seafarers earning higher pay despite holding similar ranks. The decision to dismiss Fijian seafarers reportedly started in January to February last year, leaving officers unclear about the reasons behind it.

NPDL, owned by Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Company, operates a fleet of foreign-going vessels across the Pacific.

Yesterday, representatives from IMOG, NPDL, and Singapore-based crewing manager Yadav Virendra met at the Seafarers Club in Walu Bay, Suva, to discuss the matter.

The meeting was closed to the media, and all parties declined to comment.

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