The Government of Fiji says progress is being made in clearing abandoned fishing vessels from Suva Harbour, as authorities move to improve marine protection and ensure safe operations at the country’s busiest port.
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, with support from the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, has reduced the number of derelict vessels within port limits to 20 as of February 2026, down from 44 in 2024.
During 2025, authorities removed 13 vessels from the harbour, with most scuttled at approved coordinates designated by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
Since January, a further seven vessels have been cleared. Six longline fishing vessels — Xinya 10, Xinya, Gui Yuan Yu 60002, Gui Yuan Yu 60003, Gui Yuan Yu 60005 and Gui Yuan Yu 60006 — were restored to operational condition and have left Suva’s port limits. Another vessel, Winstar, was scuttled at approved offshore coordinates.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the removals were critical to protecting the marine environment, ensuring navigational safety and maintaining port integrity, while also safeguarding the customary fishing rights of iTaukei communities.
The government also acknowledged support from the Waitt Foundation, which has contributed to the removal of high-risk vessels.
Funding arrangements were revised in late January, with financial support now channelled directly through Fiji Ports Corporation Limited for contractor payments. The company is finalising onboarding processes, including compliance screening and application procedures.
Authorities expect the updated funding structure with the Waitt Foundation to be completed by April, with full-scale removal operations targeted to be in place by then.
The government said it aims to strengthen collaboration with partners to advance maritime sustainability, environmental protection and resilience across Fiji’s maritime sector.
