Australia and Fiji are partnering to construct the new Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) located in Lami, Fiji for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. The MESC will be home to the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, the Rescue Coordination Centre, Suva Radio Coastal Radio Station and Fiji Hydrographic Office.
The MESC will serve as a multipurpose building designed to enhance Fiji’s maritime capabilities. It will provide added protection for local fishing industries; enhance natural disaster assistance and rescue capabilities; and enhance Suva Radio service.
Project deliverables
- Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Headquarters
- Fiji Information Fusion Centre
- Coast Watch
- Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
- Sealed access roads
- Site/lot servicing including power, water and sewer
- Passive design to reduce the building thermal load
- Hydrographic and charting
- Suva Radio
- Living in Accommodation
- Landscaping
- External and internal fencing
- Solar panels
- Low energy lighting
Construction of the MESC commenced in Q3 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in 2024, maximising the involvement of Fijian industry. This local approach also ensures delivery of a tailored solution based on local knowledge and skills, and aims to maximise the benefit to the local economy and generate jobs.
The design is environmentally sustainable and accommodates the climatic requirements of construction in Suva, Fiji. The facility will be almost self-sustaining from a water and electricity perspective with solar panels and water retention systems to be constructed.
This project builds on Defence’s long-standing cooperation with Fiji, which has focused on the areas of maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, and training.
During Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Fiji (pictured) he met with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia V Bainimarama to jointly announce the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC).
