SOLOMON PORTS MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE WITH GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR BERTH 1 REDEVELOPMENT
The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), trading as Solomon Ports, today marked a significant milestone with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of International Terminal Berth 1 at Honiara Port.
The ceremony was officiated by the Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, and attended by government Ministers, Key Stakeholders, diplomatics corps, provincial and city leaders, traditional leaders development partners.
The Berth 1 redevelopment is being delivered under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, with funding support from the Asian Development Bank. The construction contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Solomon Ports and the country’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, SIPA Chairman Mr. Moses Virivolomo said the project reflects the national commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ primary gateway for international trade.
“Honiara Port is the lifeline of our economy, connecting the capital to the provinces and hundreds of islands across the country. This redevelopment is critical to ensuring our port remains safe, efficient, and capable of meeting future trade demands,” Mr. Virivolomo said.
The redevelopment focuses on improving operational efficiency through modern cargo-handling systems, advanced IT and security infrastructure, and better logistics flow, while enhancing safety and compliance with international standards. It also promotes environmental sustainability through green port principles and energy-efficient systems, enables future expansion to accommodate growing cargo volumes, and ensures value for money through cost-effective and durable design solutions.
In his keynote speech, Chief Guest , the Hon. Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele said the redevelopment of Berth 1 is of strategic importance to the country’s economy, trade and future development.
PM Manele said this was an investment in national productivity and economic resilience, and that the government recognises that strong infrastructure must be supported.
He said the rehabilitation of the berth 1 comes at a critical time as Honiara Ports faces challenges as container volumes continue to rise, alongside population growth and economic expansion.
“The rehabilitation of berth 1 must be viewed as part of a broader national port development vision , one that integrates infrastructure investments , modern legislation , sound SOE Governance , urban planning , and private sector growth,” he said.
“The government remains committed to working with SIPA to ensure our ports are safe and resilient , efficient and competitive, and governed by legislation that reflects the realities of a modern society.”
Once completed, the redevelopment is expected to significantly increase cargo throughput, reduce vessel turnaround times, lower long-term maintenance costs, and strengthen Honiara Port’s competitiveness within the Pacific region.
Solomon Ports wishes to express appreciation to the Government of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Asian Development Bank, and CCECC for their continued support and partnership. We remain committed in working together to successfully complete this landmark project.