Government reviews future shipping services

The Fijian government is undertaking a comprehensive review of its shipping sector and long-term maritime transport needs, prompted by aging vessels and escalating demands for maritime services. The current government fleet consists of approximately eight vessels, many of which are nearing the end of their service life and are struggling to meet the growing needs across the maritime network.

Minister for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau announced that efforts are in progress to bolster maritime services. These initiatives include plans for acquiring new vessels and enhancing connectivity for island communities. The government is evaluating its existing shipping operations to determine the most effective strategy for improving services to these remote areas.

"At the moment, there’s a variety of ships there, and some are in various stages of… some are under repair, and there are approximately eight which we have, but they have various capacities. Some have also aged, so we are reassessing the situation in terms of government shipping services, the operations of the private sector shipping, and what would be the most optimum arrangement as far as services to our maritime islands are concerned," Tuisawau stated.

In collaboration with the Japanese government, Fiji is working towards acquiring a multipurpose ship that can also serve national disaster management purposes. The government is also exploring the possibility of transforming Government Shipping Services into a state-owned enterprise as part of this review. Opposition MP Jone Usamate has urged the government to maintain its own fleet to provide support during challenges faced by private shipping operators.

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At the moment, there’s a variety of ships there, and some are in various stages of… some are under repair, and there are approximately eight which we have, but they have various capacities. Some have also aged, so we are reassessing the situation in terms of government shipping services, the operations of the private sector shipping, and what would be the most optimum arrangement as far as services to our maritime islands are concerned.