The committee agreed to move ahead with the next phase of the clean-up under the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, which aims to improve the condition of Suva Harbour.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala, said careful planning had been undertaken to ensure the project was ready to progress.
He says the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund continues the legacy of the late Captain Johnathan Smith, with the goal of creating a cleaner and healthier Suva Harbour for future generations.
The meeting followed the finalisation of an operational agreement outlining how the clean-up will be managed by the Government, the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Fiji.
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited will oversee all operational aspects of the vessel removal, including managing contractors responsible for cleaning and scuttling the vessels in line with Fiji's legal requirements.
The vessels will only be scuttled after meeting strict environmental and safety standards certified by the Department of Environment and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael says removing derelict vessels from Suva Harbour demonstrates Fiji's commitment to protecting its marine environment and meeting its environmental and climate commitments.
He adds that the abandoned vessels have posed risks to traditional custodians, marine ecosystems, navigation and public safety for many years, and their removal will help restore the ecological integrity of the harbour.
