JMEC Issues Update on Lomaiviti Princess II Oil Spill in Suva Harbour

The Joint Maritime Environment Committee (JMEC) has issued an update on the recent oil spill involving the Lomaiviti Princess II (LP2) in Suva Harbour, citing serious safety and environmental breaches by Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL).

“This is a clear violation of Fiji’s maritime and environmental laws. There are no exemptions when it comes to protecting our environment,” said Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu. “We will not allow our ports and waters to become dumping grounds.”

The spill occurred after the long-abandoned vessel, which had remained idle and deteriorating since 2019, submerged in Suva Harbour.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) was forced to carry out an emergency relocation after GSL failed to comply with formal removal orders, raising concerns about the vessel’s risks to maritime safety and other port users.