A trial test on the implementation of the Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS) will be carried out this week at the Port of Lautoka following the successful collaboration at a workshop hosted by the Pacific Horticultural & Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Program last week.

Workshop participants at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel, Lautoka. PC: Fiji Ports Corporation Limited

The workshop was held at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka attended by representatives from Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, Fiji Ports Terminal Limited, Ministry of Agriculture, and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Neptune Shipping, Pacific Direct Line and the Australian High Commission.

The Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS) is a long- term strategy developed to manage biosecurity risks associated with sea containers at the port of loading.

The system aims to reduce biosecurity risk to Australia and New Zealand at the port of loading by introducing robust contaminant management systems, including the:

• implementation of effective container cleaning processes
• prevention of re-contamination of cleaned containers
• raising awareness of sea container biosecurity issues at offshore container processing facilities.

Lautoka Port Controller Apenisa Dawai said the workshop was informative and taught them the importance of ensuring the containers that are sent from our Ports meet the expected hygiene standard required.

“There is a need to promote this system within our organisation and be supportive of it. It lifts the standard of our container hygiene and allows for easy access to New Zealand and Australia once the stamp is seen on the containers,” Mr Dawai said.

FPTL Operation Coordinator Sevuloni Lavaisiga said they were thankful to have been invited to that stakeholders meeting and to note the concerns raised by exporters, since FPTL is in charge of operations.

“As the last point of exit for the units we have not been made aware of problems being faced and through the meeting, we will try to phase out a corrective plan to be part of the Sea Container Hygiene System with the approval of the management,” Mr Lavaisiga said.

“This, in turn will help our economy in making sure our farmers are provided with the greatest service and their exports reach their intended destination without any hindrance.”

The trial will be conducted on Friday, August 10.

PHAMA Deputy Team Leader, Bronwyn Wisement, right, at the workshop. PC: Fiji Port Corporation Limited

Meanwhile, the stakeholders’ workshop was conducted by Dr. Bronwyn Wiseman, Deputy Team Leader PHAMA Program.           

 PHAMA provides practical and targeted assistance to help Pacific island countries manage regulatory aspects associated with exporting primary and value added products.

PHAMA is an Australian Government initiative, co-funded by the New Zealand Government.

***This media release was prepared and released by Fiji Ports Corporation Limited.