Overview: Port of Lautoka
Port of Lautoka is Fiji’s largest Port for handling bulk cargo, specializing in bulk sugar, molasses, woodchips, petroleum, and gas. Lautoka services the shipping needs of Western Viti Levu and is the base for Fiji’s famed Blue Lagoon Cruises and Nai’s Cruises.
Lautoka, is situated at position 18 degrees -8 South, 178 degrees -26 East and inline with major shipping lanes criss crossing from the US or Asia to Australia and New Zealand, easily making Lautoka an additional Fiji Port, suitable to hub for the South Pacific.
Video: Fiji Ports Terminal
Layout of Port of Lautoka
Location: Port of Lautoka
History of Port of Lautoka
In 1900, the Colonial Sugar Refining Company wharf was built at Lautoka (Port of Lautoka), which was then declared a Port of Entry. In 1961 the new Fiji Ports wharf opened at Lautoka, next to the CSR wharf that had served the town for many years
In 1959, all general cargo was handled through the Colonial Sugar Refining Co Ltd (CSR) pier where Ports Authority of Fiji took on the Port and undertook major construction in 1959 to the basic main face it is today. Fiji Sugar Corporation was formed and took over the operations of CSR and constructed its own molasses and sugar loading facility, in July 1987, Tropik Wood Industries built their woodchip loader and in late 1988, the Japanese government through a government grant built a local fishing Port to cater for the local fishing and domestic seafaring market.
In June 2005, FPCL completed its $21 million Lautoka Wharf Extension giving Lautoka additional berths to its original one berth capacity. Extensive reclamation totaling 28 acres has been completed too providing FPCL with additional land in Lautoka for Port related activity to enhance it Port. (Fiji Ports, 2023)
References
- FPT (2020, January 1). Terminal Layout. Fiji Ports Terminal. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from Link
- FPTL (2020, January 1). Port of Lautoka. Fiji Ports. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from Link
Additional Sources of Information
- 2011 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2012 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2013 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2014 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2015 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2017 FPCL Newsletter – PDF
- 2018 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
- 2019 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
- 2020 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
- 2020 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
- 2021 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
- 2022 Wavu-News-Issue – PDF
Author: Fiji Journal
Fiji Journal consists of a small team of creative storytellers, who connect, and inspire independent travelers around the world. We’re obsessed with travel and passionate about helping you explore your curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of Fijian Culture, and Islands. Travel is not just an opportunity for adventure but a way of life.
