The MV Westerland was removed from Mosquito Island in Lami Bay and disposed of at an approved offshore location.
It is the third abandoned vessel removed under the Suva Harbour Cleanup Programme, following the removal of fishing vessels Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86 in August.
The programme is funded through the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, which was launched with US$1 million in support from the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Filipe Tuisawau says abandoned vessels can pose risks to navigation, the marine environment and coastal communities.
He says the removal of the MV Westerland will help restore the coastal environment around Mosquito Island, and improve the condition of the surrounding waters.
Before the vessel was removed, fuel, oil and other waste were cleared from it, while structural and environmental assessments were also carried out.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji checked that maritime safety requirements were met, while environmental assessments were completed before approval was given for the vessel to be sunk at the approved offshore location.
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited is leading the Suva Harbour Cleanup Programme, with several Government agencies involved in its oversight.
More abandoned vessels identified as environmental and navigation risks in Suva Harbour are expected to be removed in future phases of the programme.
