Fiji’s hydrographic survey vessel, the RFNS Volasiga, is once again fully operational following the resolution of technical issues and system faults.

Originally mobilised by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency and donated to the Fiji Hydrographic Office (FHO) in 2019, the Volasiga (a Republic of Fiji Navy vessel) underwent maintenance and system upgrades in 2023.

However, following those upgrades, several complex technical issues prevented the system from operating effectively.

The Volasiga is equipped with a Kongsberg EM2040c multibeam echosounder and a Seapath 380 inertial measurement unit, both designed for high-resolution seabed mapping and precise motion control.

In October 2025, IIC Technologies was contracted by the FHO to assess and troubleshoot the hydrographic survey system aboard the vessel.

Ahead of a field visit, IIC’s technical team conducted a detailed review of the Volasiga’s configuration and operational history. It prepared a structured troubleshooting plan and coordinated closely with the FHO to ensure the necessary documentation and logistics were in place before deployment.

During IIC’s visit, the team systematically identified and resolved multiple system faults. Through a combination of software diagnostics, hardware recalibration and configuration updates, full functionality was restored across the survey suite.

A subsequent calibration survey validated system performance, confirming that the Volasiga is once again mission-ready to support hydrographic data acquisition and charting operations in Fiji’s waters.

This successful restoration represents an important step forward for Fiji’s national hydrographic capability and contributes directly to the country’s broader maritime safety and environmental management objectives.

With the Volasiga back in service, the FHO and Republic of Fiji Navy are well positioned to resume critical survey activities that support safe navigation, port development and coastal resource management.

“We’re proud to have supported the Fiji Hydrographic Office and the Republic of Fiji Navy in bringing the Volasiga back into service,” said David Crossman, Managing Director (Oceania) at IIC Technologies.

“Seeing the vessel operational again, ready to contribute to Fiji’s charting and maritime safety efforts, is extremely rewarding for our team.”