PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Suva
Pilot
updated May 2010- Levuka pilot boarding position Pilot boards17°40.8′S 178°51.8′E
Compulsory. Arrange through vessel's agents 24 hours notice of ETA with confirmation 12 hours before arrival. Vessels are required to provide proper boarding facilities for pilots.
Pilot boards 3nm S of Old Light Tower (18°08.45'S 178°23.75'E).
Key data
updated Dec 2016Size limits
LOA 293m, draught 11.6m, 68,456DWT.
Largest vessel handled: "Queen Elizabeth 2".
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Range 1.8m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Suva | — | — | 2 |
| Port of Suva | — | — | 2 |
| Narain Jetty | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
The channel is very wide and is able to accommodate vessels of "QE2" size.
Port limits
A vessel is considered to be an "arrived vessel" having passed the West Reef Beacon at the entrance to Suva harbour.
Anchorages
Safe anchorage may be found in depths of 18m to 36.5m within the harbour. The holding ground is good with mud bottom.
Tugs
Two tugs 33t bollard pull. Other tugs available with at least 48 hours notice.
Charts and publications
BA 1660. Admiralty Pilot NP61. NP286(4).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime and Port Authority of Fiji (MPAF).
Position: Security Officer.
Address: PO Box 780, Suva, Fiji.
Tel: +679 331 2700.
Fax: +679 330 0064.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available. 1000t, 500t, 250t and 100t slipways.
Dry docks
There are three drydocking facilities available for vessels up to 1,000GT. There are no floating or graving docks.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available through bunker barge or at King's Wharf.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Available at 2.5km from the port.
Crew change
Possible with vessel's agent's assistance.
Transport
Nearest airport: Nausori (23km).
Working hours
Continuous working seven days a week except on national holidays.
About Suva
updated Dec 2016Where it is
Suva, Fiji's largest port, is situated on the SE coast of Viti Levu, the largest of the Fiji islands.
The port
Various cargoes are handled, including general, ore, oil, LPG and vegetable oil.
Traffic
Approx 89,000TEUs and 820 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Suva
Where does the pilot board at Suva?
The pilot boards at Levuka pilot boarding position, 17°40.8′S 178°51.8′E.
What time zone is Suva in?
Local time at Suva is UTC+12. No summer time.
What is the water density at Suva?
1025.
Which load line zone is Suva in?
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Suva?
Port State Control at Suva: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Suva?
The UN/LOCODE of Suva is FJSUV.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Suva say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.