Work to begin on removing first set of derelict vessels from Suva Harbour

Work will soon begin to remove the first three of 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour after the Derelict Vessel Removal Project Governance Committee approved the next phase of the long-awaited clean-up.

The decision follows a meeting of the Governance Committee last week, paving the way for the first removals under the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund as part of a coordinated effort to restore the harbour.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala said the committee had ensured the necessary planning and preparations were completed before work began.

"This has been a long time coming, but we had to ensure the right foundation was laid for such an undertaking to stand on," Dr Korovavala said.

"The Captain Johnathan Smith Fund is carrying on the legacy of an esteemed member of our society, in the hope that the future will be a bit brighter for those who watch the sunlight reflecting on the Suva Harbour," Dr Korovavala added.

The committee meeting followed the finalisation of an operational agreement outlining how the clean-up will be managed by the Government of Fiji, the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Fiji.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited will lead all operational aspects of the project, including overseeing approved contractors responsible for cleaning and scuttling the vessels in accordance with Fiji's legal requirements.

Under established protocols, vessels will only be scuttled after meeting strict cleaning and safety standards jointly certified by the Department of Environment and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. The scuttling sites must also be approved by MSAF.

The removal programme will be carried out in stages, with vessels prioritised according to safety and operational feasibility.

The Fiji Government will oversee and coordinate the project through the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, while the Waitt Foundation has contributed US$1 million to establish the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund.

Blue Prosperity Fiji is supporting coordination among partners and linking the initiative to Fiji's broader ocean management and Marine Spatial Planning goals.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael said the project would deliver environmental and public safety benefits.

"For far too long, these abandoned vessels have posed risks to traditional custodians, marine ecosystems, navigation and public safety, and their removal is helping to restore the ecological integrity," Dr Michael said.