The removing of the fourteen priority wrecks at the Suva Harbor is critical given the navigation hazard that they present.

The dormant derelict vessels affecting the safety of mariners as well as access to the port.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited Chief Executive Vajiura Piyasena says the removal of these derelict vessels is a key priority area for the first quarter of the year, however they are struggling to find the funds for the massive salvage operation.

He adds they’ve already received one quotation and are anticipating more to get the best deal.

“It’s a selective kind of quotation and if we disclose the quotation, it will have some sort of impact if we have to get some quotation from other companies or from different other companies and unfortunately we cannot disclose the amount at this stage.”

Meanwhile Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Captain Philip Hill has confirmed to FBC News that they’ve made a formal request for funding to enable the salvage operation.