Bina Harbour Project Achieves Key Design Milestone

After a year of geotechnical and other studies and intensive design work, the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project has completed a concept design for the port, marine-side infrastructure, and onshore facilities. 

It was presented to the project’s cross-government Technical Working Group (TWG) in Honiara early December.

The concept design is detailed enough to be costed and will inform the government of the level of investment required to construct the infrastructure.  

TWG Chair, Ms Lisa Sugumanu, Deputy Secretary, Projects of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), who oversees the project, told TWG members that the biggest challenge for Bina now was to attract finance for the project.

‘MFMR is in dialogue with several development partners and major tuna plant operators. In addition, it has Memorandum of Understanding with Kiribati and Tuvalu who are interested in supplying tuna to Solomon Islands under the East New Britain initiative.’

While the project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the Government and people of Solomon Islands, it will require concessional lending and grants to offset the high construction costs. 

The New Zealand Government is funding the development of the business case, which is being led by the International Finance Corporation and delivered through its contractor, Castalia Group.  

The TWG was briefed that a potential effect of Bina on stabilisation and peace in Solomon Islands could lead to a decrease in the sovereign risk rating.

Dr Christian Ramofafia, Permanent Secretary of MFMR, is encouraged by the pace of work: ‘This is a big project, and we have great ambitions for the development of the project for Malaita and the broader Solomon Islands,’ he said.

Kramer Asia Pacific delivered the concept design for the land-side infrastructure. At the same time, Haskoning Australia focused on the marine-side infrastructure and facilities, ensuring that all operational needs for the plant would be met. 

The costs are being conducted by cost estimators at WH Partnership.

The port infrastructure features a berth designed for efficient loading and unloading of fishing and international shipping vessels, as well as a container and cargo handling yard. The tuna processing plant will benefit from essential infrastructure, such as a prepared construction pad, access roads, office and accommodation for personnel, utilities, and ample storage facilities.

The tuna processing plant is not included in the concept design, as it will be designed, constructed and operated by a global tuna industry investor who will also finance and operate the plant.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funds the Bina Harbour Project Office, which has delivered the design work for the Solomon Islands Government.

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Bina Harbour Project Office