Pacific Marine Group’s Andrew Morris.
Last week, while the 28th Fiji Australia/Australia Fiji Business Forum was under way in Suva, Pacific Marine Group (PMG), a valued member of the Australia Fiji Business Council and South Sea Towage Limited (SSTL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the skills and capacity of the Fijian maritime sector. This partnership is designed to enhance the training of SSTL’s team, leveraging PMG’s expertise to improve technical proficiency in maritime operations. One of the key goals of the collaboration is to tackle the pressing environmental issue of removing derelict vessels from Suva Harbour. These abandoned ships not only pose a threat to the environment but also diminish the port’s operational capacity.
SSTL Chairman, Himmat Lodhia, outlined that the project involves clearing 80 derelict vessels, a mammoth task that requires significant capacity-building efforts. By collaborating with PMG, SSTL seeks to train and upskill local workers, ensuring that Fijian nationals gain valuable experience in maritime operations. This approach prioritises sustainability and local involvement, reflecting PMG’s commitment to fostering long-term growth in Fiji’s maritime sector.
According to Andrew Morris of PMG, the purpose of the partnership extends beyond simply completing the job of vessel removal. The initiative focuses on a deeper collaboration between Australian and Fijian entities, with an emphasis on transferring skills and expertise to the local workforce. This capacity-building effort is expected to play a key role in addressing Fiji’s maritime challenges while also contributing to environmental preservation. Additionally, this MOU aligns with broader efforts supported by Australia to enhance Fiji’s maritime infrastructure. The partnership is expected to bolster Fiji’s long-term ambitions of becoming a regional maritime hub, with a focus on shipbuilding, repair, and other maritime services. This initiative is a significant step toward cleaner harbours and enhanced operational capacity for Fiji’s ports, benefiting both the local environment and economy.
