MV WESTERLAND
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Derelict former Rømø-Sylt scuttled off Suva
On Oct 6, 2026, the 'Westerland' (IMO: 7041091), which had occupied part of Mosquito Island’s shoreline for years, has been removed from the Lami Bay, as efforts continued to improve maritime safety and clean up Suva Harbour. The ferry was towed out of Suva by the tug 'Didi' (IMO: 9349332) and scuttled an approved offshore location, making it the 3rd abandoned vessel to be removed under the Suva Harbour Cleanup Programme, following the removal of fishing vessels 'Zhong Da 2' and 'Sunshine 86' in August. The programme was funded through the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, which was launched with US$1 million in support from the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute. Before the vessel was sunk, fuel, oil and other waste were cleared from it, while structural and environmental assessments were also carried out. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji checked that maritime safety requirements were met, while environmental assessments were completed before approval was given for the vessel to be sunk at the approved offshore location. The Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd. was s leading the Suva Harbour Cleanup Programme, with several Government agencies involved in its oversight. 14 more abandoned vessels identified as environmental and navigation risks in Suva Harbour were expected to be scuttled in future phases of the programme. The ferry was built in 1971 at the Husum shipyard and operated for decades under the name 'Westerland' for the Rømø-Sylt Line in the Wadden Sea. In 2006, the ferry was sold to Fiji. There, it retained its traditional name, and from 2007 onwards, it operated as a ferry between the main Fijian islands with home port Suva. After being decommissioned in 2021, the ship was abandoned off Mosquito Island. Reports with photos and video: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/shipping-times-2-2m-backs-wreck-removal/ https://www.fijivillage.com/u/abandoned-mv-westerland-removed-from-mosquito-island-shoreline-01c1c3/ https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/harbour-cleared-of-another-derelict-vessel/#google_vignette https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2183593168868623
Ferry suffered mechanical damage
The "Westerland" suffered a mechanical damage near the Natovi jetty in Fiji, on Dec 24, 2018. The vessel experienced a hydraulic defect and was stranded at sea.
The Bligh Water Shipping Ltd suffered a $3 million loss due to damage to ferry
The Bligh Water Shipping Ltd. suffered a $3 million loss in revenue as a result of damage sustained by the "Westerland" when it ran aground in Savusavu during the tropical cyclone Winston in February 2016. They lost quite a lot to the damage itself, the cost of repairs and trying to get the business up and running again. In June the vessel was brought to Suva for dry docking and repairs. The dry dock and salvage itself was over $1 million adding to the loss of employment which was quite a challenge for the company.
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