The state-of-the-art Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) was officially opened today in Lami.
The multi-million-dollar facility has been dubbed a symbol of Fiji’s resilience, sovereignty, and enduring regional partnerships.
The $120 million Centre, constructed with the support of the Australian Government under the Vuvale Partnership, employed more than 1,200 local workers over the past two years.
It will serve as Fiji’s central hub for maritime operations, housing critical agencies such as the Fiji Navy, the Fiji Hydrographic Office, and the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP officiated the event.
In his official address, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted that the Centre will also serve as a hub for regional coordination, supporting combine and joint operations and information-sharing with our Pacific neighbors and international partners.
“As we confront increasingly complex challenges across our Blue Pacific, we must build not only our individual national capabilities, but also our collective resilience as a region,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Government and people of Australia for their partnership and investment in Fiji’s maritime security, noting that the facility follows the recent gifting of Fiji’s second Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, the RFNS Timo.
The Centre will also host the Maritime Domain Fusion Centre, an integrated maritime intelligence hub staffed by the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Fisheries, Customs and international partners. The Fusion Centre will strengthen Fiji’s ability to combat illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, transnational crime, and other maritime threats.
“Our message to traffickers and illegal fishers is clear: we are watching you, and we will get you,” the Prime Minister stated.
In addition to Australia, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to partners including New Zealand, the United States, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their support in operationalising the Centre.
“As Prime Minister, I can assure you that this Government remains firmly committed to deepening our maritime security efforts.
“This is a proud day for Fiji. The opening of this Centre marks a bold step forward in safeguarding our sovereignty, enhancing regional cooperation, and ensuring a secure and prosperous Blue Pacific,” Prime Minister Rabuka concluded.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Marles said that the investment in this facility is one of the largest infrastructure investments that Australia has made anywhere in the world, along with their investment at Blackrock Camp in Nadi.
“Our defence relationship with Fiji continues to grow, with increased interoperability between our forces,” he said.
“Australia is proud to support the construction and development of Fiji’s newly opened Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, a vital enhancement of Fiji’s maritime response and coordination capabilities.
“We are committed to working with our Pacific family to uphold common values, so we can make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations.”
