Port Denarau: Heightened Interest from Foreign Vessels to Escape Borders Under Lockdown

As of August 19, 2020, there have been 36 vessels cleared into Port Denarau Marina, which includes five superyachts, since the announcement of the Blue Lanes initiative in June.

This was revealed by Port Denarau Marina via the South Pacific Stock Exchange, that stated that at present, there were seven vessels, of which one a superyacht, awaiting quarantine clearance prior to being allowed entry into the marina.

It stated that there were a number of applications awaiting approval from the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Team (CRMT).

The arrival of vessels under the Blue Lanes initiative has seen an increase in activity at the boatyard, the chandlery and with workshop tenancies who carry out repair and maintenance works,” the official statement from Port Denarau Marina stated.

“Suppliers and provisioners are also delighted to see the opening of maritime borders.

“Our guests are thrilled to be in Fiji, they give much credit for the insight of the Fijian Government and the yachting industry for the Blue Lanes initiative, and are hopeful that other countries may adopt the same so they can seek cyclone shelter when Fiji enters into their cyclone season in November.”

According to the statement, Fiji is the first country to take a bold step during this pandemic to open her maritime borders under those conditions and “has demonstrated the creative initiative that has made Fiji the hub for cruising in our region”.

“We look forward to welcoming all cruisers and superyachts to our shores soon.”

The Blue Lanes initiative – announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama – is a step towards economic recovery.

The entry is being granted on a case by case basis and has stringent requirements of entry.

Yachting tourism contributes $60.6 million a year to the Fijian economy, it stated.

(Source:  Fiji Times online, news/business 25 August 2020)
https://www.fijitimes.com/port-denarau-heightened-interest-from-foreign-vessels-to-escape-borders-under-lockdown/