Ports a vital link
FIJI Ports Corporation Ltd (FCPL) commitment extends across various domains, from digital transformation, infrastructure modernisation while also focusing on environmental sustainability in its port operations.
According to an article by APAC Outlook, CEO of FCPL Vajira Piyasena, shared about its expansion plans, environmental initiatives, and efficient operations.
It was reported that ports are vital links in the supply chain, facilitating the transit of goods between local and international markets which sustains Fijian trade, tourism, and sea transportation.
Mr Piyasena stated that the industry was an exciting space to work in especially when addressing new challenges.
“Ports have changed from typical holding centres to providers of entire logistical networks in an era of globalisation. Since ports facilitate trade and maintain supply lines, they act as accelerators for economic development,” he said in the article.
He said while being Fiji’s only port management company it was also renowned for establishing trends around the Pacific such as introducing and implementing a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) and being the first port in the Pacific to perform a Level 1 energy audit.
“While we have worked hard to keep abreast of developments in global ports, we have undertaken some very unique projects, including the installation of solar-powered panels in one of our facilities, making it carbon neutral, the purchase of modern and environmentally friendly pilot boats, and the installation of an electric incinerator.
“By integrating sustainable approaches, the project contributes to environmental conservation, protecting the marine ecosystem, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the surrounding environment.
“We are the only port management company in Fiji, and our location has been greatly beneficial to our customers as the Port of Suva handles 70 per cent of cargo, and the Port of Lautoka takes care of the remaining 30 per cent.”
The article stated that FPCL management’s vision was to develop Lautoka foreshore with strategic goals that promote progress and significantly boosted Fiji’s economy which would see the expansion of the wharf area and the possibility of setting up a slipway in the port area.
Piyasena said the Port of Lautoka would continue to be busy and remain a critical node in the supply chain and a top priority of the company was to carry out rehabilitation works for existing facilities.
In 2022, the Lautoka Port Container Yard 3 project was completed with environmental benefits and operational efficiency in mind, which was a total investment of $F8.2 million while the Lautoka Port Container Yard 4 project is still in progress.
In the same year, FCPL completed more than 10 key projects, with an emphasis on infrastructure development at the Suva, Lautoka, and Levuka ports to accommodate larger vessels, optimise cargo handling capabilities, provide improved facilities support trade and commerce growth in the Pacific region.
“Prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship are crucial to FPCL as we work to fulfil our obligations as responsible corporate citizens. Our port operations prioritise reducing ecological impact and advancing towards energy efficiency.
“We continually look for innovative ways to lower emissions, preserve resources, and safeguard the environment by introducing and implementing green port initiatives and projects. We aim to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
The article added that digitalisation and the advancement of smart port initiatives were also priorities for FPCL; one of the key priority areas was to set up an organisational resilience roadmap, which allows unexpected disruptions to be anticipated.