Two Derelict Fishing Vessels Safely Removed from Suva Harbour

Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86 safely scuttled offshore as part of ongoing cleanup efforts

Suva, Fiji - 1 September 2026 - Two derelict fishing vessels were safely removed from Suva Harbour. The Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86, among many other derelict vessels, have long posed a hazard to Fiji’s communities, environment, and economy. Following a carefully managed operation, the derelict vessels were towed offshore and safely scuttled away from coastal communities.

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Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated, “These derelict vessels have posed a direct threat to Suva Harbour’s communities, public safety, environment, and economy for years. This cleanup effort is a direct response to what communities have been asking for, and we are committed to preventing future abandonment.”

Before the vessels were towed and safely scuttled, the operations team followed strict cleaning protocols to ensure that the operation would not harm the environment and communities that rely upon Suva Harbour. Each derelict vessel passed a strict cleaning and inspection process before safe scuttling proceeded. Scuttling was carried out at coordinates approved by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) following careful inspection. The Ministry of Environment completed an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to the operation. 

Suresh Prasad, Acting CEO of Fiji Ports Corporation, underscored the importance of safety:

“Safely removing derelict vessels from Suva Harbour remains one of our top operational priorities. Fiji Ports and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji have overseen many safe scuttling operations, and we will continue to bring that same rigour to this cleanup initiative.”

Over the next year, additional derelict vessels will be removed using funds from the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, which will also support legal reforms to help prevent future abandonment. In 2025, the Waitt Foundation contributed US$1 million to launch the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund. 

Mr. Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Foundation and Institute, stated, “This action reflects Fiji's commitment to sustainable ocean management, an approach that must address ocean health holistically, encompassing clean waters, sustainable fisheries, marine protection, and economic growth.

Derelict vessel removal and the cleanup of Suva Harbour are part of Fiji's broader commitment to holistic ocean management, a combination of policy, community stewardship, clean waters and economic opportunity working together toward a more prosperous future. 

Fiji has committed to sustainably managing 100% and fully protecting 30% of its ocean through a Marine Spatial Plan. The derelict vessels cleanup initiative directly supports this vision by removing physical and environmental obstructions, and demonstrating the kind of multi-agency coordination that effective Marine Spatial Planning requires. Multi-agency coordination is now underway to determine how to implement legal reforms that will help prevent future vessel abandonment.

Who’s involved

The initiative to remove derelict vessels in Suva Harbour is a coordinated effort led by the Fiji Joint Maritime Environment Committee, with support from the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute. The Fiji Government, through the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, provides interagency oversight and coordination. Fiji Ports Corporation is leading all operational aspects of vessel removal, including vessel identification and prioritisation, managing approved contractors, ensuring environmental compliance, cleaning, and scuttling vessels.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji advises on approved scuttling locations and certifies that vessels meet cleaning requirements before removal. The Department of Environment conducts Environmental Impact Assessments and provides clearance for removal. 

About the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund

The Captain Johnathan Smith Fund was launched to support the removal of derelict vessels that are causing extensive damage to Fiji’s marine environment in Suva Harbour, clearing the way for institutional reform to prevent future abandonment of vessels. This initiative reflects Fiji’s dedication to creating safer and cleaner waters, stronger economic opportunities, and healthier communities. The Fund honours Captain Johnathan Smith and builds upon his lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship, sustainable fishing practices, and traditional navigation.

With the Fiji Government providing oversight and coordination through the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute contributed US$1 million to launch the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund. Fiji Ports Corporation is leading all operational aspects of derelict vessel removal, including vessel identification, environmental compliance, and regulatory oversight.