PM Manele marks groundbreaking of SIPA Berth 1 Project
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, this morning officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, SIPA, Honiara International Port Berth 1 Project.
The Project is a major national investment to support trade, employment, and long-term economic growth in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Manele highlighted, with more than 90 per cent of Solomon Islands’ international trade passing through by sea, our ports remain the country’s economic lifeblood.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele delivering his remarks.
He said every improvement to port infrastructure directly supports businesses, government revenue, and the daily lives of Solomon Islanders.
The Prime Minister said the rehabilitation of Berth 1 is not just an infrastructure upgrade, but an investment in efficiency, productivity, and economic resilience. Once completed, the project will strengthen the capacity of Honiara Port to handle increasing volumes of trade.
He also highlighted the important role of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, which operates under the Ports Act and oversees all operating ports in the country. This legal framework, ensures safety, efficiency, and coordinated management of strategic port assets.
Prime Minister Manele noted that the Ports Act is now outdated and needs to be reviewed.
He confirmed that the Government plans to work with SIPA and stakeholders to modernise the law to reflect current port management practices, new technologies, environmental and climate resilience standards, public–private partnerships, and the growing role of ports as economic and logistics hubs.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele taking a tour on site with guests.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister warned that container volumes at Honiara Port are expected to continue rising and could exceed 40,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year between 2030 and 2035. Without proper planning, he said, congestion could affect the wharf, container yards, access roads, and nearby urban areas.
As part of future planning, the Prime Minister said SIPA is considering the development of an outport container yard at Ranadi.
The Prime Minister said improved port and logistics services would directly benefit major businesses operating in the Ranadi industrial area, including SolRice, SolBrew, Tong’s, Top Timber, Gold Ridge, and others.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with SIPA to ensure the nation’s ports are safe, efficient, competitive, and supported by modern legislation. He thanked SIPA’s Board, management, staff, and development partners for their leadership and continued support in strengthening Solomon Islands’ port infrastructure.
Ends///
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT