The RFNS Kikau has been fully repaired at the Norship shipyard in Cairns, Australia and returned to the Fiji Navy.
The Fiji Navy has confirmed the final stages of the repairs and trials was completed over the last week.
The vessel was handed to the Fijian government represented by Support Commander of the Fiji Navy, Commander Marika Vosawale along with the Kikau’s crew.
Kikau’s Commanding Officer, Lieuetant Commander Joseva Tunidau and his crew will now spend time at the HMAS Cairns preparing for the upcoming multi-national exercise – Exercise Kakadu based out of Darwin before returning to Fiji at the end of September.
The repairs and upgrade are a continuation of Australia’s significant investment in Fiji’s maritime security and enforcement capability, with around FJD$20 million committed to the repair of Kikau.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s Pacific Patrol Boats provide significant capability to conduct maritime surveillance, counter illegal fishing, conduct search and rescue, and provide humanitarian assistance.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Program will be succeeded by the Pacific Maritime Security Program which will deliver 21 modern Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste from later this year.
It will also introduce a region-wide aerial surveillance to enhance the effectiveness of patrol assets.
