SIPA TO HOLD FURTHER CONSULTATIONS ON SHIP REGISTRATION

The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) has clarified it will hold further consultations with relevant stakeholders regarding its ship registration fee charges.

This follows concerns raised in the media by a local ship owner, over the registration fees charged by the Ports Authority.

Responding to the concerns yesterday, SIPA Director of Finance George Rausi says SIPA will re-look at the time-frame for implementing the fees.

“On the new charges which is the Ship Registration Fee, for that, at the moment what came out in the media, we will re-look at the time-frame for implementing that charge. We need a little bit more consultation and also re-look at the time-frame that will suit both parties – the local ship owners and SIPA – to actually implement that Ship Registration Fee, so that’s our position on that at the moment.”

Meanwhile, asked if the Ports Act allows it to register ships and charge fees, Mr. Rausi says further consultation on this area is forthcoming.

SIBC News understands, the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA) is the legitimate body responsible for ship registration.