The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, this week launched a landmark regional initiative to decarbonise maritime transport in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, marking a significant step towards a greener and more resilient Pacific.
Government officials and stakeholders from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Republic of Korea gathered at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva for the official launch of the USD 9 million, five-year program: “Decarbonising the Maritime Sector through Low-Carbon Maritime Transport Roadmap and MRV Systems for Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu."
The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and delivered in close collaboration with the three Pacific governments.
The program will develop national low-carbon maritime transport roadmaps; establish robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems; pilot Alternate Marine Power (AMP) systems in key ports; and strengthen institutional capacity to attract and manage green investment.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Tuisawau emphasised the program’s importance to Fiji’s climate and economic future:
"Decarbonising our shipping sector is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Through this partnership with the Republic of Korea, GGGI, and our Pacific neighbours, we aim to strengthen regulatory frameworks and build the skills needed to deliver cleaner, more efficient maritime transport for all Fijians."
He highlighted Fiji’s commitment under its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce emissions across all sectors, including domestic shipping, and its alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s revised GHG strategy targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, reinforced the significance of maritime transport in Tonga’s national connectivity and climate strategy, while Mr. Robson Tari, Acting Director of Ports and Marine Department of Vanuatu, spoke of the opportunity to modernise fleets and improve infrastructure for sustainable growth.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Fiji, Mr. Myong Jun Kim, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to sharing expertise and technology to support the Pacific’s green transition. GGGI Pacific Regional Director, Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia, described the program as a “landmark example of cooperation to address climate change while driving inclusive green growth.”
Over the next five years, the program will bridge knowledge and capacity gaps, support the development of national strategies, and implement scalable solutions such as AMP systems. The ultimate goal is to deliver cleaner ships, greener ports, and resilient maritime transport systems for Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu creating a model for the wider Pacific.