PortFacilities
PORT FACILITIES
The Port of Suva is in a protected harbor along the south coast of Viti Levu. The port is quite busy bunkering vessels and exporting seafood. Navy ships would normally tie up at King's Wharf (Figure II-3, Figure II-4 and Figure II-5), but merchant ships are given priority. There are two berths on King's Wharf, North and South. The Wharf is 1614.3 ft (492 m) long and each berth is equal in length. The North Berth is used predominantly for bunkering and typically Naval ships are shifted after taking on fuel. The South Berth is recommended since fuel can also be taken on at that berth. The largest Navy or USNS ship to tie up at King's Wharf was 14,000 GRT. Princess Wharf is on the south side adjacent to King's Wharf and is used by small coastal vessels. Walu Bay, north of King's Wharf, contains wharves as far as the bridge. Walu Bay Wharf on the north side adjacent to King's Wharf is primarily used for merchant ships.
A Fiji Naval Base lies north of Walu Bay. Figure II-6 shows a portion of the Fiji Naval Base in the vicinity of the Fleet Landing. The Walu Bay entrance and the Walu Bay Wharf are also visible with a merchant ship tied up at King's Wharf in the background. A gas terminal, consisting of two mooring buoys moored on the 10 m curve, is situated off Cliffy Point, about 0.7 nmi northwest of King's Wharf.
King's Wharf is 1,614.3 ft (492 m) in length with a least depth alongside of 41 ft (12.5 m) at the North End, 38.4 ft (11.7 m) at the Center, and 34.5 ft (10.5 m) at the South End. Walu Bay Wharf is 600.4 ft (183 m) in length with a least depth alongside of 29.5 ft (9 m). Princes Wharf is 505.3 ft (154 m) in length with a least depth of 19.7 ft (6 m). The deck height for all wharves is about 12 ft (3.7 m). The extreme tidal range for the Port of Suva is 6.2 ft (1.9 m). The USS Hopper (DDG 70) did moor on Walu Bay Wharf on October 17-18, 1994 and reported that the shallowest depth at low tide was 27 ft (8.2 m). The wharves are made of concrete.
The Quay Wall has a combination of recently installed vertical rubber fenders and big tires. Figures Figure II-7 and Figure II-8 show the fendering on King's Wharf. Yokohama fenders 6 ft (1.8 m) by 9 ft (2.7 m) are also available in the Port. Camels and barges are unavailable to support ship nesting.
Pilotage is mandatory in the Port of Suva and Suva Harbor Control should be contacted on VHF Channel 16. Normally, the pilot is contacted when within range of the Pilot boarding area and boards about 5 nmi from King's Wharf and 2.8 nmi seaward of the Levu Passage at 18°11.4'S 178°23.3'E. Vessels should send an ETA at least 48 hours in advance with a confirmation 24 hours in advance. Port Control maintains a 24-hour port control watch at Suva on Channel 16. The call is "Suva Harbor Control". Working channels for Pilots, tugs, and line boats are 12, 14, 17, 20, 69, 77, and 84. A Government Commercial Company, Ports Terminal Limited, provides port services for both the Port of Suva and the Port of Lautoka. As of the site visit in November 2002, the Port Pilots are knowledgeable and communicate well in English. A total of five Pilots are positioned in Suva. Five commercial tugs are available with ratings of 1200 (3) and 750 (2) horsepower. They are compulsory for vessels greater than or equal to 3000 GRT. Navy ships always use two tugs on arrival but may use only one tug when departing. As of the site visit to Suva in November 2002, the USDAO Representatives Matt Bragg and Mike Vaughn assist with all U. S. Navy ship visits. They are available thru email at vaughnmp@state.gov and braggmp@state.gov, or via phone (011-679-330-3002)/fax (011-679-331-2603). The Port Master can be reached via phone at (679) 330-4998. An alternate phone number is (679) 312-700. The Maritime and Ports Authority of Fiji can be reached at (679) 312-700/311-302.
There are no dry docks or repair facilities for large vessels.
As of the site visit in November 2002, the Maritime and Ports Authority of Fiji was in the process of rehabilitating Suva Port with completion estimated at the end of 2005. King's Wharf is more than 30 years old but is still in good condition.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/fiji/suva/text/sect2.htm
