Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, while meeting with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez at IMO headquarters in London, expressed Fiji’s deep commitment to advancing maritime safety, security, and sustainability in collaboration with the IMO.
Rabuka says through open dialogue, cooperation, and support from the IMO, Fiji is confident in addressing challenges, capitalising on opportunities, and further enhancing the resilience of our maritime sector.
During the meeting, Rabuka also discussed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership which is a multi-country initiative that requires half a billion dollars of financing to see the full decarbonisation of our national fleets by 2050.
He says that while small domestic fleets were the target for reduced emissions, the Coalition Government is also considering Fiji’s jetties and ports, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities to be part of this scheme.
Rabuka highlighted that decarbonising the shipping sector presents both a challenge and opportunity, citing a lack of data on shipping fleets serving as one issue for the Pacific States.
He says Fiji recognises the urgent need for a levy and a simplified Global Fuel Standard (GFS) that directs the majority of revenue towards the Global South, particularly the Pacific region.
Discussions also centred on the development of Fiji’s ports to enhance international and domestic port operations, as well as meeting ongoing and changing customer needs.
For this, PM Rabuka conveyed the Fiji Government’s appreciation to Australia for supporting Fiji’s ambitions to revitalise its ports, shipbuilding and ship repair sector to help facilitate safe, reliable, and efficient maritime transportation in Fiji and across the region.
In his response, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted that they stand ready to assist Fiji in its maritime safety and security endeavours.
He says the establishment of an IMO regional Pacific office in Suva will support the maritime needs and priorities of countries in the Pacific.
He adds the office will also facilitate active field-level engagement in the delivery of IMO's technical cooperation framework and provide advice on key maritime issues such as training, safety and security, legislation and marine environment.
