New Zealand uncrewed vessels conduct maritime surveillance in Fiji

The Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Customs Service completed a four-week joint operation in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). At the request of the Fijian government, the uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) Tahi and Rua were deployed to provide persistent maritime surveillance.

Powered by wave, solar, and wind energy, the USVs operated continuously without resupply. During the mission, the vessels identified 137 vessels of interest that required additional scrutiny along known maritime routes. The USVs are equipped with advanced surveillance, positioning, and photographic systems that report data back to a monitoring centre.

The operation aimed to help the Republic of Fiji Military Forces understand maritime traffic patterns and volume in the region. The data collected will assist Fiji in identifying non-conforming vessels for potential interception, boarding, and searching. Fiji’s Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva is currently assessing the information obtained during the deployment.