The removal of the Lomaiviti Princess 2 from Suva Port is within the rights of Fiji Ports.
This has been confirmed by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joweli Cawaki, during a press conference.
He stated that under the Sea Ports Management Act, Fiji Ports has the authority to remove any vessel from Suva Harbour that is non-compliant or unfit for purpose.
Cawaki says the Lomaiviti Princess 2 was last surveyed in 2019.
He also revealed that MSAF is currently reviewing the legislation to introduce amendments.
Cawaki says they are working to reinstate a regulation that limits the age of vessels operating in Fiji to 20 years.
Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says such matters are between the technical authority and the vessel’s owner in this case, Goundar Shipping Company.
