Update On Lautoka Milll’s Planned Shutdown

Lautoka – The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) hereby provides the following update concerning the recent interruption of operations at Lautoka Mill.

1. Identification of Boiler Leak 

On Thursday, 19 June 2025, a routine inspection detected a leak in one of the mill boiler tubes. To conduct a full hydrostatic pressure test and carry out necessary repairs, a controlled shutdown was scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. on June 21, 2025. All harvesting gangs were notified in advance, and the yard was cleared to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

2. Extension of Planned Outage 

During the 36-hour maintenance window, the engineering team uncovered additional tube failures under pressure testing. To ensure the continued integrity and operational safety of the boiler system and to prevent more extensive unplanned failures, the shutdown period was extended to complete comprehensive tube replacements and subsequent retesting.

3. Stakeholder Communications 

Anticipating a prolonged repair timeline, FSC’s Cane Logistics Manager maintained continuous liaison with the Cane Lorry Association. Regular status reports and revised delivery schedules were issued, enabling transport operators and growers to adjust their logistics plans with full awareness of repair progress.

4. Season-Opening Context 

Lautoka Mill achieved its first sugar make on 19 June 2025. There has been no sugar loss, as claimed by the National Farmers Union.

As with all milling operations, the initial ten days of the season are reserved for identifying latent mechanical and technical issues that may remain dormant during the offseason. Early detection and resolution of such faults, although temporarily disruptive, are essential to ensuring uninterrupted throughput and minimising cane deterioration for the remainder of the campaign.

5. Planned Resumption of Operation

Repairs are on track for completion by midnight on June 23, 2025, with full milling capacity expected to resume immediately thereafter.

FSC regrets the inconvenience caused by this necessary maintenance outage and reaffirms its commitment to processing every tonne of cane with utmost diligence. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our growers, transport partners, and employees as we undertake these essential repairs.