New patrol vessel for Fiji
FIJI received its second Guardian-Class Patrol boat RFNS Puamau at a handover ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, last week.
Its arrival follows the first delivery made in 2020, RFNS Savenaca which has been an invaluable addition to the Republic of Fiji Navy in undertaking maritime missions.
According to the Fiji Government page, the vessel was received by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka which highlighted an important step with Australia and Fiji’s defence cooperation in maritime security.
In Mr Rabuka’s address, he highlighted that this would enhance Fiji’s maritime capabilities and drew attention to recent drug raids conducted in the country and the importance of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) to address these challenges unique to the region.
Under the PMSP, a 30year framework agreement, the Australian Government has committed $A2 billion ($F2.9 billion) to support infrastructure upgrades and regional surveillance capability, with a pledge to provide 21 Guardian-class patrol boats to 12 Pacific nations.
“The program also illustrates Australia’s continued support and contribution to our efforts in securing and maintaining our Pacific region as a Zone of Peace,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The vessel has come at a critical time and is a most welcomed addition to our effort in improving Fiji’s ability to protect its waters against the increasing threats in our region particularly from illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing and transnational organised crime.”
Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said Australia was proud to be Fiji’s security partner of choice.
“The delivery of the second Guardian-class Patrol Boat today is a tangible demonstration of our Vuvale Partnership,” Mr Conroy added.
“By enhancing Fiji’s maritime security capabilities, we become more effective at tackling our shared regional challenges together.”
The Republic of Fiji Navy stated in a social media update that RFNS Puamau’s crew underwent further training from the Royal Australian Navy from January 15 to February 22.
This training was focused on the basic operational functionality of the vessel.
“During this period, the crew committed and invested in attaining the necessary knowledge to operate the new platform,” the navy stated.
“Their effort was commended by the CEO of Austal who acknowledged CO Puamau and the ship’s company for their professionalism and conduct.”
The Australian-based global shipbuilding company was contracted under the PMSP for the patrol boat initiative in 2016 and delivered its first vessel in 2018 for Papua New Guinea.
RFNS Puamau is the 19th vessel delivered under PMSP and is the first of four to be delivered this year by Austal.
Each Guardian-Class patrol boat is 39.5 meters with an 8-metre beam and is powered by two Caterpillar diesel engines with 2100 horsepower for a maximum speed of 20 knots and a range of 3000 nautical miles, faster than the previous Pacific-class patrol boats.
These vessels can carry up to 23 personnel onboard and can be fitted with various naval weapons depending on the navy’s needs.
RFNS Puamau is expected to arrive in the country next month under the command of Lieutenant Commander Sairusi Colati.
The vessel is named after the late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a native of Nayau, Lau who died on board a naval vessel that was torpedoed in Solomon Island waters at the peak of World War II in the Pacific.