FIJI Ports Terminal Limited is commencing the New Year on a high note, anticipating the arrival of a total of 43 ships throughout January. The vessels, which are projected to dock at Suva port, include a variety of types aimed at boosting both tourism and the local economy.
Container ships are expected to dominate the schedule with 25 visits planned for the month. This includes an impressive lineup of five cruise ships, namely the Discovery Princess, Costa Deliziosa, Riviera, Noordam, and Zaandam, set to attract tourists and generate revenue for the capital city.
In addition to the cruise ships, the port will receive a diverse range of other vessels. This includes a cable ship, one cargo ship, one clinker, three tankers, and two research vessels. Among the ships slated to arrive this week are the car carrier Lake Travis, research vessel MV Anuanua Moana, cruise ship Discovery Princess, and several container ships including Neptune Matua, Southern Pearl, Medkon Ten, Kota Hapas, and Majuro Chief. The tanker Hafnia Merlin is also on the list of expected arrivals.
Adding to this busy month, the Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 was already at port on Monday, with its sister ship Yuan Wang 6 anticipated to arrive on Friday, January 9. These research and survey vessels underscore the strategic importance of Fiji’s maritime activities.
As Fiji begins the year with such promising numbers, the potential for increased tourism and economic activity is certainly bright, and the communities around Suva stand to benefit greatly from the influx of ships and visitors.