Ports Terminal Limited (PTL) is a subsidiary of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and is responsible for the stevedoring operation on all overseas cargo vessels with the exception of cargo types that have their own unloading/loading facilities like liquid bulk, sugar and wood chips.
It is responsible for the provision of all resources required to facilitate the effective and efficient cargo operation. This is only limited to both Suva and Lautoka ports.
With Fiji ports operating a 7days x 24 hours port, PTL will commence stevedoring operation at any time of the day and as long as the vessel is alongside berth. However stevedoring work is not performed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
a) Stevedores
PTL is able to provide the manpower that is required in all facets of stevedoring operation. This includes supervisors, foreman, bay planners, winch man and mobile crane operators, drivers, loggers and riggers – a majority of which are general purpose workers who are able to perform multi skilled tasks.
Training is continuously undertaken so that the stevedores are kept abreast with any technological change associated with the industry.
The Registered Relief Workers are only deployed when the need arises. The Lautoka stevedores are provided by a sub contractor whilst PTL maintains the supervision role.
b) Handling
PTL’s current equipment fleet ranges from the 2.5 ton forklift to 40 ton Heavy container handler with telescopic spreaders. The yard tractor/trailers are also available to facilitate transfer of containers from ship side to transit area and vice versa. The provision for stevedoring equipment in Lautoka is contracted out which is supplemented by PTL.
Current Fleet:
Suva
- 40ton Heavy Container Handlers with Telescopic Spreaders 4
- 38ton Heavy Container Handlers with Telescopic Spreaders 2
- 32ton Heavy Container Fork trucks 2
- 12ton Empty Container Handler with Telescopic Spreader 1
- 8 ton Forklift 1
- 6ton Forklift 2
- 4ton Forklift 2
- 3ton Forklift 1
- Yard Tractor/Trailers 7
Lautoka
- 40ton Heavy Container Handler with Telescopic Spreader 1
- 38ton Heavy Container Handler with Telescopic Spreader 1
- 32ton Heavy Container Forktruck 1
c) Gear
The current range of stevedoring gear PTL provides has enhanced the proper lifting of cargoes of various sizes and shapes. There may be exceptional cases for extreme irregular shaped cargoes but PTL will always endeavor to provide stevedoring gear accordingly.
As a statutory requirement annual safety inspection is undertaken by the Ministry of Labor’s iInspectors.