Japan has handed over $1.6 million worth of specialised oil spill response equipment to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, boosting the country's ability to respond quickly to marine pollution incidents and protect its marine environment.
The assistance, valued at about 100 million Japanese yen, was provided under Japan's Economic and Social Development Programme following an agreement signed between the two countries in October 2023.
The equipment includes a specialised oil spill response vessel, a response boat, a crane truck, oil containment booms, oil absorbent materials and other supporting equipment that will strengthen Fiji's ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.
Speaking at the handover, Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva says Fiji records an average of three marine oil spills each year, making the new equipment a significant boost to the country's emergency response capability.
He says oil spills can spread rapidly through wind, tides and currents, damaging mangroves, coral reefs, fish habitats, port operations and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Tuinaceva says the equipment will be fully integrated into Fiji's National Marine Spill Contingency Plan and will be regularly maintained, inspected and used in training exercises to ensure personnel are prepared to respond effectively during emergencies.
He also stressed that responding to oil spills requires close cooperation between the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, other Government agencies and coastal communities.
The Assistant Minister thanked the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation System for their continued support, saying the assistance reflects the strong friendship between the two countries and will help protect Fiji's marine environment for future generations.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Hiroshi Tajima says oil spills pose a serious threat to Fiji's marine environment, coastal communities and economy, noting that recent incidents in Suva Harbour highlighted the need to strengthen the country's response capability.
He says the project supports Fiji's national priorities by strengthening maritime safety, environmental protection, disaster preparedness and sustainable maritime transport.
Tajima adds the handover also reflects the growing partnership between Japan and Fiji under the Japan-Fiji Nomagata-Kizuna Partnership, which promotes cooperation on ocean governance, climate resilience and regional security.
