Funding secured for Suva Harbour derelict vessel clean-up, works start

Funding for the long-awaited removal of derelict vessels from Suva Harbour has been secured, allowing clean-up operations to move from planning into action.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael confirmed that up to $2 million had been secured through the Captain Jonathan Smith Fund, launched in July 2025, specifically to remove abandoned and sunken vessels from the harbour.

“The funding has been secured and is tied directly to implementation,” Mr Michael said.

He clarified that the funds are not managed by Blue Prosperity Fiji, but are channelled through agreed implementation partners.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has been tasked with carrying out the vessel removals, working in collaboration with the Joint Maritime Environment Committee (JMEC).

“These vessels are ticking environmental risks,” Mr Michael said, warning that derelict and sunken ships pose ongoing threats to marine ecosystems and coastal safety, making their removal a priority for the Ministry.

Data provided by authorities show that in 2025, 17 derelict vessels were removed from Suva Harbour, while 21 remained. As of 2026, there are now 27 derelict vessels and 27 wrecks in the harbour, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Blue Prosperity Fiji country manager Saras Sharma confirmed that funding was secured shortly after the fund’s launch and is now supporting the clean-up effort.

Questions have been sent to Fiji Ports Corporation Limited seeking clarity on removal timelines, prevention measures and the pace of implementation, but responses had not been received at the time of publication.