Three overseas companies have shown interest in conducting assessments to salvage of the vessel -MV Suliven which sank in the Suva Harbour about 2 weeks ago.

Fiji Ports Authority Chief Executive Vajira Piasena did not mention the names of the companies but confirmed they have local counterparts.

Piasena says the Authority is working with the Ministry of Transport and the Maritime Safety Authority to identify the suitable contractor who can carry out assessment works.

‘’There is very limited local expertise in this kind of exercise, they are to prepare a proper comprehensive report .It has to be done by some experience people so generally the overseas party It will be as soon as possible because it is an ongoing .I believe the ministry will make a decision immediately and we will contacting the identified contractor and to start the assessment immediately’’.

Piasena says the quicker the assessment is done the better it is due to the urgency of the matter.

The MV Suilven is sitting forty metres below the surface with processed fish and 8000 litres of diesel on board.