The Fiji Navy says its capacity to respond to climate change has been strengthened with the arrival of a new vessel.
The Fiji Navy's capability to ensure safety at sea has been boosted with the arrival of RFNS Volasiga. Photo: Supplied
Officials from the South Korean government handed over the $US2.7million vessel to the Fiji navy in Suva this week.
The navy's head of operations, Timoci Natuva, told the FBC that Fiji relied heavily on its oceans and its sea lanes of communication must be secured and safe.
"It gives us an extra capability especially in terms of hydrographic surveying. We need to properly map our waters.
"Other areas that they can assist us with in terms of assisting Fiji's blue economy, you know maritime trade, coastal development so these are the areas that the vessel can, the capability that it provides for us."
Mr Natuva said it took 17 months to build the vessel.
The navy now had six boats in its fleet.