Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told parliament on Wednesday that the Pacific Islands nation was likely to collaborate with China on a key port modernisation and shipyard project, after discussing it in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Fiji previously sought Australia's involvement to build a modern ship-building facility at Lautoka, officials and a consultant to Rabuka on the project told Reuters.

China is the world's largest shipbuilder, accounting for half of all ships built this year. The pace of expansion of its navy has concerned Australia, which has donated dozens of patrol boats to its Pacific Islands neighbours to boost surveillance of their territorial waters.

Rabuka told Fiji's parliament on Wednesday his government was focused on upgrading infrastructure, "particularly the modernisation of port facilities and shipyards".

"I anticipate potential collaboration with China in that endeavour, given China's globally competitive shipbuilding," he said.

Watch | China: Human Rights Watch says mosques have been altered or closed down

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Rabuka met Xi for the first time on the sidelines of the APEC forum in San Francisco last week. He said on Wednesday that Fiji supports China's vision for global security, and that Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative "aligns with our nation's development agenda".

Discussions were underway to address Fiji's "debt crisis" responsibly, he added. Fiji has external debt equivalent to 56% of gross domestic product, most of which is owed to multilateral development banks. The amount also includes FJD$375 million ($167 million) of China EXIM bank loans taken out almost a decade ago.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-china-presiding-over-session-india-warns-un-security-council-of-vicious-cycle-of-debt-traps-661488">With China presiding over session, India warns UN Security Council of 'vicious cycle of debt traps'</a>

An Australian-based ship design company said Rabuka had earlier sought the involvement of Australia, Fiji's largest aid donor, in the shipyard project.

Sea Transport chairman Stuart Ballantyne said his company had received a request from Fiji for a fleet of commercial ships it could assemble locally.

Ballantyne said he had advised Rabuka on the broad scope of the shipyard project, which would involve moving an "archaic" shipyard near Suva to the other side of the island, Lautoka, and constructing two undercover sheds.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crumbling-property-sector-spurs-strong-wave-of-anti-ccp-protests-across-country-661516">China’s crumbling property sector spurs strong wave of anti-CCP protests across country</a>

Rabuka wants to revive shipbuilding as a training ground for tradespeople in Fiji, from carpenters to electricians, Ballantyne said, adding he was unaware of any Chinese involvement.

"If the Chinese have stepped up to the plate - they are the aggressors in the Pacific, the movers and shakers," he said.

The Australian government has funded a feasibility study with Fiji Ports to explore redevelopment options at the Lautoka foreshore, including a barge landing and ship-building and maintenance facility.

Fiji Ports chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena told Reuters the government had called for expressions of interest from investors for a joint shipyard venture in September.

The government advertisement said the project would meet the government's shipbuilding requirements for five years, with a business model based on a joint venture with Fiji Ships and Heavy Industry, a subsidiary of Fiji Ports.

An official said only local proposals had been received, and the official was not aware of any contract being awarded.

Fiji Ports referred questions about China's involvement to Rabuka's office, which did not respond to requests for comment.

China's embassy in Fiji did not respond to a request for comment.

China has been pushing for greater security and trade ties with Pacific Islands countries. It has signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, raising alarm in the United States which responded by striking a defence deal with Papua New Guinea.

China's policy on the Pacific Island nations fully respects the sovereignty and independence of those countries without attaching political conditions or empty promises, Xi said after meeting Rabuka last week.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told parliament on Wednesday that the Pacific Islands nation was likely to collaborate with China on a key port modernisation and shipyard project, after discussing it in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told parliament on Wednesday that the Pacific Islands nation was likely to collaborate with China on a key port modernisation and shipyard project, after discussing it in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Fiji previously sought Australia's involvement to build a modern ship-building facility at Lautoka, officials and a consultant to Rabuka on the project told Reuters. China is the world's largest shipbuilder, accounting for half of all ships built this year. The pace of expansion of its navy has concerned Australia, which has donated dozens of patrol boats to its Pacific Islands neighbours to boost surveillance of their territorial waters. Rabuka told Fiji's parliament on Wednesday his government was focused on upgrading infrastructure, "particularly the modernisation of port facilities and shipyards". "I anticipate potential collaboration with China in that endeavour, given China's globally competitive shipbuilding," he said. Watch | China: Human Rights Watch says mosques have been altered or closed down × Rabuka met Xi for the first time on the sidelines of the APEC forum in San Francisco last week. He said on Wednesday that Fiji supports China's vision for global security, and that Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative "aligns with our nation's development agenda". Discussions were underway to address Fiji's "debt crisis" responsibly, he added. Fiji has external debt equivalent to 56% of gross domestic product, most of which is owed to multilateral development banks. The amount also includes FJD$375 million ($167 million) of China EXIM bank loans taken out almost a decade ago. Also Read | With China presiding over session, India warns UN Security Council of 'vicious cycle of debt traps' An Australian-based ship design company said Rabuka had earlier sought the involvement of Australia, Fiji's largest aid donor, in the shipyard project. Sea Transport chairman Stuart Ballantyne said his company had received a request from Fiji for a fleet of commercial ships it could assemble locally. Ballantyne said he had advised Rabuka on the broad scope of the shipyard project, which would involve moving an "archaic" shipyard near Suva to the other side of the island, Lautoka, and constructing two undercover sheds. Also Read | China’s crumbling property sector spurs strong wave of anti-CCP protests across country Rabuka wants to revive shipbuilding as a training ground for tradespeople in Fiji, from carpenters to electricians, Ballantyne said, adding he was unaware of any Chinese involvement. "If the Chinese have stepped up to the plate - they are the aggressors in the Pacific, the movers and shakers," he said. The Australian government has funded a feasibility study with Fiji Ports to explore redevelopment options at the Lautoka foreshore, including a barge landing and ship-building and maintenance facility. Fiji Ports chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena told Reuters the government had called for expressions of interest from investors for a joint shipyard venture in September. The government advertisement said the project would meet the government's shipbuilding requirements for five years, with a business model based on a joint venture with Fiji Ships and Heavy Industry, a subsidiary of Fiji Ports. An official said only local proposals had been received, and the official was not aware of any contract being awarded. Fiji Ports referred questions about China's involvement to Rabuka's office, which did not respond to requests for comment. China's embassy in Fiji did not respond to a request for comment. China has been pushing for greater security and trade ties with Pacific Islands countries. It has signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, raising alarm in the United States which responded by striking a defence deal with Papua New Guinea. China's policy on the Pacific Island nations fully respects the sovereignty and independence of those countries without attaching political conditions or empty promises, Xi said after meeting Rabuka last week.

Fiji PM: China likely to collaborate on key port, shipyard project

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), the Indian government-run shipbuilder, has bagged an international order to design and construct six new-generation 3800 DWT cargo vessels for a Norwegian firm Wilson Shipowning AS.

DWT refers to Deadweight Tonnage which is an indication of how much cargo a vessel can carry.

The USD 72 million or Rs 580 crore contract has been signed with an option for additional eight&nbsp;vessels. The first vessel is expected to be delivered by December 2024 and the remaining deliveries are to be completed by March 2026.

UCSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited.&nbsp;

Madhu S Nair, Chairman &amp; Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), who also serves as Chairman of UCSL said, “This partnership aligns with our core values of sustainability and innovation, and we are excited to contribute to the development of more eco-friendly transportation solutions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Wilson with the potential for more future orders.”

The “Future proof Dry Cargo Vessel” designed by Conoship International, Netherlands shall be constructed as an Environment-friendly Diesel Electric vessel ready for installation of wind foil units and battery hybrid systems. These vessels are intended for the transport of general cargo inland as well as in coastal waters of Europe. &nbsp;

Wilson Ship Management AS, a company headquartered in Bergen, Norway is the largest short-sea fleet in Europe and transports about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo across Europe. Wilson Ship Management AS has a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), the Indian government-run shipbuilder, has bagged an international order to design and construct six new-generation 3800 DWT cargo vessels for a Norwegian firm Wilson Shipowning AS.

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), the Indian government-run shipbuilder, has bagged an international order to design and construct six new-generation 3800 DWT cargo vessels for a Norwegian firm Wilson Shipowning AS. DWT refers to Deadweight Tonnage which is an indication of how much cargo a vessel can carry. The USD 72 million or Rs 580 crore contract has been signed with an option for additional eight vessels. The first vessel is expected to be delivered by December 2024 and the remaining deliveries are to be completed by March 2026. UCSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited. Madhu S Nair, Chairman & Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), who also serves as Chairman of UCSL said, “This partnership aligns with our core values of sustainability and innovation, and we are excited to contribute to the development of more eco-friendly transportation solutions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Wilson with the potential for more future orders.” The “Future proof Dry Cargo Vessel” designed by Conoship International, Netherlands shall be constructed as an Environment-friendly Diesel Electric vessel ready for installation of wind foil units and battery hybrid systems. These vessels are intended for the transport of general cargo inland as well as in coastal waters of Europe. Wilson Ship Management AS, a company headquartered in Bergen, Norway is the largest short-sea fleet in Europe and transports about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo across Europe. Wilson Ship Management AS has a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indian govt-run shipyard to build 'future-proof dry cargo vessel' for Norway

Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata is India&rsquo;s first shipyard to produce 100 warships. While GRSE has successfully delivered 98 warships to India&rsquo;s Defence Wing, two more ships are almost ready for delivery, which will take the count to the production of warships to 100.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The 98th ship is a Landing Craft Utility and the 100th ship is a Fast Attack Craft which will be handed over to the Indian Navy by the end of this year. While the trial on the 98th ship is done, the trial on the 100th ship is due in the month of December,&rdquo; said Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Rear Admiral, Anil Kumar Verma, VSM, IN (Retired)

GRSE is one of the major shipyards in India, besides the Mumbai, Goa, Cochin and Vizag that produce warships for the Indian Navy, however, they are yet to reach the count of 100.&nbsp;

&ldquo;GRSE is one of the most important PSUs of the Defence Wing and has delivered first two anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS &lsquo;Kamorta&rsquo; and INS &lsquo;Kadmatt&rsquo; to the Indian Navy. We have produced a first-ever export warship CGS &lsquo;Barracuda&rsquo; for the Republic of Mauritius,&rdquo; added Verma.&nbsp;

GRSE since 1960, has built several ships like - Frigate, Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette, Missile Corvette, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility, Survey Vessel, Fleet Replenishment Tanker, Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Attack Craft, Hover Craft, Fast Interceptor Boat and several others.&nbsp;

Besides shipbuilding, it also carries out ship repairs.

On Wednesday, GRSE paid dividend to the government for the 23rd consecutive year. A cheque for Rs 53.22 crore towards dividend for the financial year 2015-16 was handed over to Defence Minister, Government of India, Manohar Parrikar by Verma.&nbsp;

(WION)

This West Bengal shipyard is one of the major producers of warships for the Indian Navy

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata is India’s first shipyard to produce 100 warships. While GRSE has successfully delivered 98 warships to India’s Defence Wing, two more ships are almost ready for delivery, which will take the count to the production of warships to 100. “The 98th ship is a Landing Craft Utility and the 100th ship is a Fast Attack Craft which will be handed over to the Indian Navy by the end of this year. While the trial on the 98th ship is done, the trial on the 100th ship is due in the month of December,” said Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Rear Admiral, Anil Kumar Verma, VSM, IN (Retired) GRSE is one of the major shipyards in India, besides the Mumbai, Goa, Cochin and Vizag that produce warships for the Indian Navy, however, they are yet to reach the count of 100. “GRSE is one of the most important PSUs of the Defence Wing and has delivered first two anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS ‘Kamorta’ and INS ‘Kadmatt’ to the Indian Navy. We have produced a first-ever export warship CGS ‘Barracuda’ for the Republic of Mauritius,” added Verma. GRSE since 1960, has built several ships like - Frigate, Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette, Missile Corvette, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility, Survey Vessel, Fleet Replenishment Tanker, Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Attack Craft, Hover Craft, Fast Interceptor Boat and several others. Besides shipbuilding, it also carries out ship repairs. On Wednesday, GRSE paid dividend to the government for the 23rd consecutive year. A cheque for Rs 53.22 crore towards dividend for the financial year 2015-16 was handed over to Defence Minister, Government of India, Manohar Parrikar by Verma. (WION)

Garden Reach shipyard to become India?s first to produce 100 warships

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