A major construction milestone is taking shape at Honiara International Port as large steel pipe piles are driven deep into the seabed to extend and upgrade International Berth 1 Wharf.
The works are being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).
Implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the flagship initiative aims to strengthen and modernize Solomon Islands’ critical transport infrastructure.
Project teams are driving heavy steel pipe piles at strategic marine locations across the site to establish a resilient foundation for the new wharf structure.
Piling is a critical phase of construction, providing the structural capacity needed for the upgraded berth to withstand heavy cargo operations and challenging sea conditions.
The progress marks a significant step forward for the facility, with new wharf structures taking shape both above and below the water.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mike Qaqara, highlighted that the progress demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strategic infrastructure investment.
“The progress at International Berth 1 is a major achievement for Solomon Islands,” Qaqara said.
“A strong and reliable port is essential to our economy because it underpins the movement of people, commercial goods, and essential supplies,” he added.
“This investment will modernize our maritime infrastructure and ensure Honiara International Port is equipped to serve our country’s future needs.”
Qaqara emphasized that the LMCP works form part of a broader government strategy to enhance national connectivity and strengthen climate and operational resilience.
“Through projects like this, we are investing in assets that will serve Solomon Islands for generations.
“Upgrading our maritime infrastructure benefits not only Honiara, but communities and businesses nationwide that depend on secure transport links and resilient supply chains.”
Once complete, the upgraded International Berth 1 will offer expanded capacity, improved vessel handling, and faster cargo throughput.
As Solomon Islands’ primary international maritime gateway, the port plays a vital role in national trade – handling imports, exports, construction materials, fuel, and daily necessities.
With piling now actively progressing across the site, construction has entered a highly visible and crucial operational phase.
CCECC and project engineers will continue into the next stages of marine structural construction in the coming months.
The International Wharf Upgrade is part of the broader Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, a joint initiative led by the Solomon Islands Government and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), with financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
