The Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) has announced plans to dismantle, remove, and safely dispose of three fishing vessels severely damaged by fire at the Salelologa Wharf in late November. 

The authority is seeking registered contractors and interested parties to carry out this task, with the goal of restoring the operational capacity of the wharf.

S.P.A. highlighted the importance of compliance with all relevant regulations, particularly in relation to safety, environmental protection, and waste management standards in an invitation for bids published on their website. 

The dismantling and disposal process must adhere strictly to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2002, ensuring worker safety during the operation. 

Additionally, the work must comply with the Environmental Management and Conservation Act of 2010 and the Marine Pollution Prevention Act of 2008 to safeguard Samoa's marine environment.

S.P.A. further highlighted that if hazardous materials, such as diesel, coolant, or hydraulic oil, are encountered during the process, they must be decontaminated and disposed of safely following industry best practices. 

The contractor must also ensure that any waste, including recyclable materials, is managed in line with the Samoa Waste Management Act 2010, with disposal through certified waste management facilities.

Interested parties have until 11 January 2025 to submit their proposals for the dismantling and removal project. 

The fire that severely damaged the three fishing vessels at Salelologa Wharf has been linked to an act of arson. 

Last week, Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo confirmed that a 13-year-old boy has been charged with arson following a police investigation into the incident. According to the Commissioner, there was sufficient evidence to press charges against the teenager, who is alleged to have been seen near the vessels shortly before the fire broke out.

The teenager, whose identity has not been released due to his age, was reportedly seen entering the vessels twice just minutes before the flames erupted. He has been charged under the Youth Offenders Act and will appear before the Youth Court on February 5, 2025. The boy has been released on bail pending the court hearing.

The fire occurred at the end of November 2023, while eleven fishing purse seiners were docked at Salelologa Wharf, as part of the preparations for CHOGM. 

Three of the vessels were severely damaged in the blaze. 

The vessels, which had been abandoned by their owner, Apia Deep Fishing Limited, were initially berthed at the Matautu Wharf before being transferred to Salelologa and other domestic ports for the event.

The fishing vessels were seized and detained in favour of the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) after the company abandoned it. 

SPA has invited expressions of interest for the forced sale of the 12 sea vessels pending proceedings in the Supreme Court. 

The authority said the sale of the Vanuatu-flagged sea vessels is subject to a forced sale on Wednesday 8 January 2025 or so soon thereafter as the necessary arrangements may be settled and made binding.