Solomon Islands domestic shipping industry will soon benefit from improved vessel
maintenance services thanks to a SBD$50 million investment by Solomon Islands
Shipyard Limited (SISL) and the Australian Government to rehabilitate the Sasape
Shipyard in Tulagi, Central Province.

Visiting the Shipyard, Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton, said that as a
maritime nation, Solomon Islands needs safe maritime transport and shipping for the
movement of people and goods around the country.

“That’s why Australia is partnering with a local Tulagi business – to make sure Tulagi
residents are employed to rehabilitate this shipyard,” Hilton said.

Sasape Shipyard is the largest employer in Central Province, employing more than
30 staff.

^{_{Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton and General Manager Steve Maiden of Solomon Islands Shipyard Limited at Tulagi’s Sasape Shipyard}}

It has the potential to offer slipping facilities for vessels of up to 500 tonnes, as well
as a wide range of repair and maintenance services.

Once rehabilitation works are completed next year, the shipyard will not only have
the capability to fully service domestic and international vessels, it will also make the
Solomon Islands a regional hub for vessel maintenance services, bringing in more
work for locals.

Australia’s investment of SBD50 million, which includes lending from the Australian
Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, will provide an important boost to
economic development for Solomon Islanders.