Maritime sector contributes approximately $25M to Fijis economy annually

Fiji’s maritime sector is contributing approximately $25 million to Fiji’s economy annually.

This has been highlighted by the Acting CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Captain Philip Hill during the celebration of the World Maritime Day at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva this morning.

Captain Hill says seafarers have tough and challenging job and whilst they are exposed to high risk and bear personal loss they have contributed to the economy both domestically and through remittances.

He added that MSAF has so far registered 2,155 ships of less than 15 meters in length and 116 ships above 15 meters in length and he says that this registration is to ensure that an accountable system of maritime transport is maintained.

He also highlighted the Government has progressively constructed 35 lighthouses from 2011 to date including the installation of 600 beacons in sheltered shipping routes around the country.

Captain Hill says the government has invested $7.1 million for lighthouses and $1.8 million for beaconing project.

He adds they are planning to install another 7 lighthouses this year.

He revealed that at the moment Fiji has a total of 7,263 Certificate of Competency holders and this year alone 221 students are studying Diploma in Nautical science, Marine Engineering and other Certificates of Competencies at the Fiji Maritime Academy.