Our Ports Terminal Man
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HASTIKA DELA TELLS OF ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR
Since the inauguration of the Private Public Partnership (PPP) between the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and Sri Lankan conglomerate, Aitken Spence there has been immense positive changes.
The two companies joined forces – through Fiji Ports subsidiary Ports Terminal Limited – to bring international best practice to the ports of Suva and Lautoka. Below is an excerpt of an interview Cargo Weekly had with chief executive officer of Fiji Ports Terminal Hasthika Bandara Dela:
First of all, Hasthika tell us about yourself. How many years have you work in shipping and how did you end up as a CEO of Fiji Ports Terminal Limited?
I am actually from Sri Lanka and have been in the shipping trade for the past 21 years.
I have worked in the areas of agency business, depot management and ports and terminals.
I am currently seconded to Fiji, representing one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka, Aitken Spence PLC which is the largest stakeholder of Fiji Ports Terminal Limited.
At Aitken Spence PLC I hold the position of Assistant Vice President.
My industry knowledge and the experience gained over the years were instrumental towards my engagement as the Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Ports Terminal Limited since 2014.
Tell us about Fiji Ports Terminal. Do you have regular liner services coming in? How about breakbulk vessels, do they call Fiji regularly? How about RoRo ships? What kind of crane capacity / lifting capacity is available in Fiji.
Port of Suva is the main and largest port in Fiji.
Port of Suva and Lautoka are blessed with regular liner services, break-bulk, bulk and PCC vessel calls.
Both of these ports are equipped with shore cranes which have the capacity to lift up to 100 metric tons.
What kind of commodities are imported/exported to/from the island?
Fiji manufactures and exports garments, Fiji Water, fish, cement, sugar, processed food and many other finished products.
Fiji also imports many food products, raw materials and other essential items from overseas
Is Fiji used as a transshipment hub for other islands in the Pacific or is cargo into Fiji mainly for the local market?
Fiji is being used as a transshipment hub by many of the shipping lines. This is one area the management is highly focused on for further developments.
Please elaborate on the ownership of Fiji Ports Terminal Limited?
Fiji Ports Terminal Limited entered into Private Public Partnership in 2013 where 51 per cent stake was acquired by Aitken Spence PLC, Sri Lanka, and the balance 49 per cent remains with Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (Landlord). Fiji Ports Terminal Limited is managed by a board of directors.
Can you tell us a bit about larger equipment or projects that you have handled in/out of Fiji via your terminals?
The two ports are capable of handling heavy and larger project cargoes and we have handled such equipment up to 80 tons in weight and cylinders up to 33 metres in length.
If a shipowner would like to make regular calls or even a one-off call to Fiji who should be contacted to get a quote for port call costs?
Fiji Ports Terminal Limited is happy to assist any customer who intends to call at our ports. However, to obtain a comprehensive DA we suggest that they contact a reputable agent in Fiji. If the shipowner/customer is not familiar with Fiji, we are more than happy to make necessary recommendations to suit their needs.
Any Freight forwarders?
Yes there are a few reliable freight forwarders available in Fiji who can provide all freight forwarding and customs clearance services.
Many of our readers like to take holidays (don’t we all), with your great location in the Pacific, what can you recommend about Fiji. Tell us about your personal recommendations for visiting Fiji?
Fiji is a beautiful country and a tourist paradise.
More than the hotels, the natural beauty of Fiji attracts the foreigners to the country. There are wonderful hotels located in the main and outer islands of Fiji.
You can witness many global brands such as Sheraton, Hilton, Continental, Marriott and many more.
It is extremely difficult for me to recommend any particular places in Fiji for visiting as the entire island nature is so breathtaking.