By Georgina Maka’a
The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) today marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Berth 1 at Honiara International Port, a project regarded as critical to the country’s long-term maritime and economic development.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and attended by SIPA board members, government officials, and key port stakeholders.
The project forms part of a broader national port development vision that integrates infrastructure investment, modern legislation, sound governance of state-owned enterprises, urban planning, and private sector growth.
In his address, Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with SIPA to ensure ports across the country are safe, resilient, efficient, and governed by legislation that reflects current and future realities.
“More than 90 percent of our international trade by volume passes through our ports,” Prime Minister Manele said. “Every container unloaded, every vessel berthed, and every shipment cleared directly supports jobs, businesses, government revenue, and the daily lives of Solomon Islanders.”
He emphasized that ports are the lifeblood of island economies and that maritime transport is not optional, but essential for the Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister noted that the rehabilitation of Berth 1 comes at a critical time, with Honiara Port—particularly Point Cruz—facing increasing pressure from rising container volumes, population growth, and economic expansion.
“Projections show annual container throughput could exceed 40,000 twenty-foot equivalent units between 2030 and 2035,” he said. “This raises serious concerns about congestion at the wharf, container yard, access roads, and surrounding urban areas.”
Prime Minister Manele urged SIPA to plan ahead for terminal and storage expansion, including the development of a container yard at Ranadi. He suggested that container movements between Ranadi and Point Cruz could be efficiently managed through barge transport, reducing reliance on trucking and easing urban congestion.
Meanwhile, SIPA Board Chairman Moses Virivolomo stated that the redevelopment of Berth 1 is being implemented under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) and is funded through loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“The contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and this project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of our ports and the maritime sector,” Mr Virivolomo said.
He acknowledged the strong partnership between SIPA and the Solomon Islands Government and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the project.
“Next year we will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the port’s establishment,” he said. “This project is a timely addition, symbolising the continuous growth and success of SIPA and our service to the people of Solomon Islands.”
Mr Virivolomo outlined several key benefits of the redesigned international terminal Berth 1.
These include improved operational efficiency through modern cargo-handling systems, advanced IT and security infrastructure, and enhanced logistics flow. The strengthened berth deck will accommodate a quay mobile crane, significantly improving vessel turnaround times and enabling the port to handle gearless vessels in the future.
The project will also improve safety and compliance by meeting and exceeding international standards, including upgraded fire safety and emergency response systems.
Environmental sustainability is another focus, with the incorporation of green port principles, energy-efficient lighting, improved waste management, and readiness for future renewable energy integration.
In addition, the redevelopment is designed to support future expansion to accommodate growing cargo volumes and evolving shipping trends, while ensuring cost rationalisation and value for money without compromising performance and durability.
Construction of the redesigned international terminal Berth 1 is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
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