Australia invests in Fiji’s maritime future with new shipbuilding facility

Australia is working closely with Fiji to rebuild its shipbuilding and repair industry, bringing new job opportunities and boosting the local economy. 

The Australian Government through the Australian High Commission in Suva and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) has committed AUD1.2 million to support a detailed study and early works for a new shipbuilding and repair facility in Lautoka.

Last week, at a greenfield site in Lautoka, the proposed site of the Facility, Fiji’s Prime Minister, the Hon Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Mr Ewen McDonald, unveiled a proposed concept design for the new shipbuilding and repair facility.

In addition to the concept design, Australia handed over a report summarising Stage 1 of the Fiji Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Study to the Fijian Government, which informed the concept design to ensure it met industry best practices and aligned with Fiji’s maritime ambitions. 

The report identified the best location for the facility, analysed market demand, assessed available skills and infrastructure and outlined industry requirements.

Once fully operational, this project will create up to 120 jobs. To ensure Fijians can take up these roles, discussions are underway with the Ministry of Education on potential investment in vocational training and partnerships to ensure that Fijians are equipped with the skills needed to take up these roles.   

The next stage will involve a feasibility study to confirm whether the site is technically suitable and a business case to determine the commercial viability of the facility. These assessments will help finalise the design and are expected to be completed later this year.

The AIFFP’s investment will help to strengthen Fiji’s economy, build local expertise and position Fiji as a leader in regional maritime services. 

The project is a priority under the Australia Fiji Vuvale Partnership and Memorandum of Understanding on Port Infrastructure and Services, reinforcing Australia’s long-term commitment to supporting Fiji’s growth in the maritime sector.