BY LORETTA B MANELE
PRIME Minister, Jeremiah Manele says that SIPA (Solomon Islands Ports Authority) should not only invest in the existing ports facility but also plan ahead for terminal storage expansion.
He made the statement whilst delivering the keynote address at SIPA’s milestone groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, December 19, 2025 to mark Berth 1’s redevelopment project.
Manele said projections indicate that between 2030 and 2035, annual container throughput could exceed 40,000 20-foot equivalent units, noting that at that level, congestion risks become real, not only at the wharf but also within the container yard, access roads and surrounding urban areas.
“This is why SIPA should not only invest in the existing port facility but also, planning ahead for terminal storage expansion,” he said.
Manele also said that he takes note of SIPA’s plans that the Chairman has alluded to, not only here in Honiara but also at Noro, our other international port and other areas in the future.
He said one strategic solution is to complement the Point Cruz main container yard with additional capacity well before congestion reaches critical levels.
Manele said that the development of a Ranadi outport container yard is both timely and necessary.
He said Ranadi’s proximity to the main container terminal and its location within our industrial zone make it a logical and cost-effective extension of port operations.
“Container movements between Ranadi and Point Cruz can be efficiently facilitated through barge transport. The use of barges to transport containers represents a modern and efficient freight solution.
“Over time, it can gradually replace the heavy reliance on trucking, which is increasingly inefficient and limited in capacity.
“Barge transport allows movement of higher container volumes per trip, overnight and off-peak transfers; improving efficiency for customers and reduced disruption to daytime urban activity,” said Manele.
He said that it will shift heavy container traffic of the east-west Honiara main road, easing congestion, improving road safety and reducing pressure on critical urban infrastructure.
Manele said that beyond logistics of efficiency, this approach contributes to a better urban environment.
“Fewer container trucks mean lower emissions and reduced road damage. At the same time, it will directly support industrial growth in the Ranadi industrial zone.
“Key national businesses, such as Solrais, SolBrew, Tongs, Top Timber, Gold Ridge and others, rely on reliable, efficient ports and logistics services to remain competitive and grow,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the rehabilitation of Berth 1 must therefore be viewed as part of a broader national port development vision, one that integrates infrastructure investment, modern legislation, sound SOE governance, urban planning and private sector growth.
“The Government remains committed to working with the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to ensure our ports are safe and resilient, efficient and competitive, and governed by legislation that reflects the realities of a modern society or economy,” he said.
Manele also took the opportunity to acknowledge SIPA and development partners and stakeholders in this venture.
“I commend the Board, Management and staff of SIPA for their leadership and foresight. I also acknowledge our development partners including ADB and stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening our national infrastructure.
“On the same note, I also thank the representatives of our contractor, CCECC, (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation) for the work that they will undertake to implement and complete this project in time as part of the Board’s 70th celebration, but more so, our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary come 2028.
“With those remarks, may I take the opportunity as well to wish all of you a blessed, festive season and Happy New Year 2026.
“May this project strengthen our ports, support our economy and serve the people of the Solomon Islands for generations to come,” he said.
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