Ageing fleet and rising costs threaten Fiji’s inter-island transport

Ageing vessels and skyrocketing costs are putting Fiji’s inter-island transport network under serious strain, raising alarms about the future of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.

Speaking at the National Transport Infrastructure Consultative Forum, Land Transport Authority Board Chairman Lui Naisara highlighted that the high number of old ships is a major concern, driven by the steep cost of replacement and limited access to financing.

The forum allows government departments, non-governmental organisations, and stakeholders to come together and discuss the issues affecting the transport industry.

He stressed that the maritime sector faces far steeper financial challenges than land transport, particularly when it comes to acquiring and modernizing vessels.  

He explained that while a new vehicle may cost between $60,000 and $250,000 for a high-end model, a new ship can cost anywhere from $10 million to over $20 million, especially as we transition towards fuel-efficient, environmentally compliant vessels.

Naisara says such investments are beyond the reach of most operators without a coordinated approach. 

He says that if we want a modern, safe, and fuel-efficient maritime fleet, we need a catalyst—an incentive or financial mechanism that brings together the government, private sector, development partners, and multilateral donors.

Naisara warned that without urgent intervention, Fiji risks falling behind in maritime development even as land and aviation infrastructure continue to advance.