Funding hold-up stalls removal of 17 derelict vessels in Suva

Seventeen derelict vessels continue to rust in Suva Harbour as Fiji waits for the release of FJD $2.25 million promised under the Captain Jonathan Smith Fund.

The money, announced in July, has not yet arrived in Fiji and is being held overseas by a U.S.-based non-government organisation.

Chairperson of the Joint Maritime Environmental Committee, Joeli Cawaki, confirmed the delay is stalling urgent cleanup work.

“We’re just waiting for the money to arrive, but the conditions of the money—you see everything has conditions attached,” Mr Cawaki said.

“That money is only given to a nonprofit organisation. The money is now with an NGO in America and has not been released for use here. They just must give the money, and we’ll do the job,” he added.

The wrecks pose serious risks to the marine environment and safe navigation in the harbour, with oil leaks, coral damage, and obstruction of shipping routes among the growing concerns.

Updated assessments show 35 derelict vessels across Fiji’s harbours, though only 17 fall under the current initiative.

Once released, the funds will enable the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to remove the wrecks through scrapping, deep-sea sinking, or conversion into artificial reefs.

For now, however, the vessels remain untouched while the much-needed funding sits locked overseas.