BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s (SIPA) Berth 1 Project is both timely and significant for the continuous growth of SIPA.
SIPA Chairman, Moses Virivolomo, highlighted this at SIPA’s Groundbreaking Ceremony of Berth 1 Redevelopment Project on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Honiara Port compound.
In initial remarks, he said they look forward to working with the national government to ensure successful implementation and completion of the project.
Virivolomo expressed that next year, they will be celebrating and marking SIPA’s 70th Year Anniversary.
“And the project is truly a timely addition in signifying the continuous growth and success of SIPA to provide services to the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.
Virivolomo stated that over the years and decades, they have worked diligently to maintain the international network.
He said while they have faced challenges along the way, the continuous use of this port is a clear testament to the resilience, capability, and integrity of design and commitment by Solomon Ports in the continuous maintenance of the facility.
On this note, Virivolomo added that once the redevelopment of Berth 1 is completed, it will not only address challenges, but will also position SIPA board on a much stronger future, enhancing efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in many years to come.
Moreover, he said the redesign and reconstruction of this international terminal berth 1 is MR1 Operational Efficiency.
Virivolomo pointed out that through modern power handling systems, advanced IT and security infrastructure, and improved logistics flow, the design and deck of Berth 1 will strengthen and cater for key mobile trade.
He explained that by having a key mobile trade, it will not only increase productivity and faster turnaround time of vessels going out of port but will also prepare them to handle gearless vessels that visit our ports in the future.
The SIPA Chairman said secondly, there will be improvement in safety and compliance, meeting and exceeding international standards, including enhanced fire safety and emergency response systems.
“Thirdly, environmental stability. With great port principles, green energy lighting, improved waste management, and readiness for future renewable energy integration, this Honiara port is ready to take on challenges and reach good governance and green energy technology.
“Fourthly, future expansion. Ensuring that the port can accommodate growing carbon volumes and evolving shipping trades,” he said.
Lastly, Virivolomo stressed on “cost-benefit rationalisation”; ensuring value for money while maintaining performance and durability.
He said enhancements incorporated into this redevelopment will significantly improve carbon throughput, reduce vessel turnaround time, lower long-term maintenance costs, and strengthen Honiara’s ports competitiveness in the region.
Virivolomo in further remarks said they recognise that over the next few years, while construction is underway, there will be some operational impacts.
Henceforth, he said to mitigate such effects, Solomon Ports has extended the opening and operational hours of this port, container terminal and yard services from 8 am to 12 midnight, Monday to Friday.
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