The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has strengthened its ability to respond to marine emergencies after receiving a boat and oil spill response equipment worth $1.6 million from the Government of Japan.

The donation is expected to significantly improve Fiji’s capacity to prevent, contain and respond to oil spill incidents, while enhancing the protection of the country’s marine environment and coastal ecosystems. The new equipment includes specialised oil spill response gear, support accessories and a response vessel to assist MSAF in carrying out its maritime safety and environmental protection responsibilities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Assistant Minister for Meteorological Services, Public Works, and Transport, Naisa Tuinaceva, acknowledged Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Fiji’s maritime sector, noting that the assistance will strengthen national preparedness and ensure a quicker and more effective response to oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.

The equipment will be deployed to support operations at key ports around Fiji, reinforcing MSAF’s role in safeguarding the nation’s waters and preserving the marine environment for future generations.

BY: LITIA RABUA