The Government of Fiji, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has celebrated the official commissioning of the IMO Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific — a historic milestone in strengthening maritime governance, safety and sustainability across the region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Suva, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, warmly welcomed IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez to Fiji and emphasised the significance of the event for all Pacific Island countries.
“The establishment of this office is the first of its kind in our region, and it demonstrates the value of regional engagement and cooperation in strengthening maritime governance, safety and sustainability,” Tuisawau said.
“This office belongs to all of us. While it is based in Fiji, its vision and purpose are shared by all Pacific Island nations, and it will play a vital role in supporting our collective ambitions — from maritime safety and pollution prevention to decarbonisation and legislative reform,” he added.
Tuisawau highlighted Fiji’s transport sector reforms, including the development of a National Transport Sector Master Plan, a transport decarbonisation implementation strategy and reviews of key maritime legislation. He also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to international climate goals, noting the synergy between the RPO’s work and regional initiatives such as the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership.
Domínguez expressed his gratitude to the Government of Fiji and SPC for hosting the office, describing it as both a milestone for the region and a personal honour on his first visit to Fiji.
“For Pacific Island nations, maritime transport is a lifeline for economies, communities and connectivity to the world,” Domínguez said.
“The opening of this office strengthens maritime capacity, cooperation and representation across the Pacific, ensuring that we are all part of the cleaner, smarter and more resilient maritime solutions of the future,” he added
He outlined the IMO’s strategic commitment to decarbonisation, including the adoption of a net-zero framework for international shipping, and stressed the importance of measuring tangible results in capacity building, safety, environmental protection and inclusivity.
For his part, SPC Deputy Director-General Dr Paula Vivili reaffirmed SPC’s long-standing partnership with IMO, noting over two decades of joint efforts in training, legislative support and technical assistance.
“This day is a celebration of partnership,” Dr Vivili said. “The RPO responds directly to our members’ call for stronger coordination, greater responsiveness and tailored support in implementing IMO instruments. It will be a vital part of our regional efforts, including the Pacific One Maritime Framework, our collective course for a safe, sustainable and future-ready maritime sector.”
Vivili also extended an invitation to the IMO Secretary-General to return to the Pacific for the 6th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby in May 2026, where the Pacific One Maritime Framework is expected to be formally endorsed.
The IMO Regional Presence Office in Suva will operate from SPC’s Lotus Building during its initial phase, serving as a hub for technical expertise, coordination and collaboration between Pacific Island nations, regional organisations and global maritime governance bodies.
