Fiji Takes Action on Suva Harbour Cleanup as it Hosts Pre-COP

MV Westerland removed from Mosquito Island as part of ongoing cleanup led by the Fiji Government through the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund

Suva, Fiji - 7 October,  2026 - The abandoned passenger ferry MV Westerland has been safely removed from Mosquito Island in Lami Bay, marking the third successful removal in an ongoing multi-agency cleanup effort.

The latest removal marks another milestone in the effort to clear Suva Harbour of derelict vessels that have crowded and polluted its waters for years. It follows the successful removal of two derelict fishing vessels, the Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86, in August.

This cleanup comes at an important time as Fiji is hosting Pre-COP31, providing an opportunity to showcase the country’s ocean leadership on the international stage.

Fiji Prime Minister, the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka stated, “A cleaner Suva Harbour shows the world that Fiji's ocean leadership is more than words. We made commitments to protect our ocean, and we are delivering on them, starting right here in our capital.”

For years, Mosquito Island's once clean, sandy beaches sat buried beneath the wreckage of the abandoned ferry. Removing the MV Westerland begins the restoration of the shoreline and clears the way for the island to serve the community again as a shared space, not a dumping ground.

Honourable Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau stated, “The removal of MV Westerland represents another important milestone in our efforts to restore and protect Suva Harbour. Derelict vessels pose significant risks to navigation safety, the marine environment and the wellbeing of our coastal communities.”

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. Cruz Holdings, the contractor engaged for the operation, carried out the removal and scuttling of the MV Westerland safely and in line with all environmental requirements. 

Every derelict vessel removal follows the same multi-step process. Each one is cleaned of oil and debris, has its manholes and leak points sealed, and is inspected before it is towed anywhere. Only once the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) confirms that all  requirements have been met, does a vessel receive its scuttling coordinates. The Ministry of Environment completed an Environmental Impact Assessment ahead of this operation, and the Westerland was scuttled well offshore, clear of fishing grounds, navigational passages, and shallow reef environments. Additional derelict vessels will be removed in an ongoing cleanup effort backed by the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, with support from the Waitt Foundation, Waitt Institute, and Blue Prosperity Fiji.

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 promoting clean water and ocean areas. Through this effort, multi-agency coordination is now underway to address legal reforms that will help prevent future vessel abandonment.

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 commitment to safer, 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.

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