FPCL on derelict vessels
Hefty penalties are in place which is borne by the agents or vessel owners. We of course have appropriate wreck removal insurance policy in place.” – FPCL
T
HE Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) is yet to ascertain the owners of the two wrecked vessels at the Suva Harbour.
FPCL confirmed that the derelict vessels FV Mr Wind and FV Le-Samourai were foreign vessels.
"Currently we are following up with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and Customs for more information and FPCL has made arrangements with local agents to obtain more information," stated FPCL.
FPCL was scheduled to issue the notice of removal order last week on Friday to the vessel owners to remove the wrecks from the port boundary.
FPCL said that it gives vessel owners 14 days to clear the wrecks after a removal notice is issued
While responding to questions sent by this newspaper, FPCL stated that five derelict vessels are yet to be removed from the Harbour.
Thus, FPCL is yet to confirm on whether the Draunibota area is within the Port boundaries as there are a number of derelict vessels that are yet to be removed from the area. In April last year, the FPCL chief executive had mentioned that there were 16 derelict vessels on FPCL's record with six being in the priority list.
FPCL also stated that the Sea Port Management Act 2005 and Sea Port Management Regulation 2008 covers Fiji's waters and it ensures that that every vessels that dorks into our Harbour do not pose a threat to navigation and the environment" Hefty penalties are in place which is borne by the agents or vessel owners. We of course have appropriate wreck removal insurance policy in place," stated FPCL.