SOLOMON Ports has assured local shipping operators that it would ensure local vessels are being prioritised when it comes to using the main domestic wharf at Point Cruz, Honiara.
The assurance came after few shipping operators expressed concern over the action taken by Solomon Ports to prioritise an international research vessel to berth at the newly constructed big domestic wharf.
Fortnight ago, a research vessel called ‘Hydra’ was allowed to berth at the newly constructed domestic wharf for over three days between Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June.
As a result during that weekend most of the local ships were forced to use the old and small wharves to berth in-order to load cargoes and passengers.
Because of the situation a spokesperson for one of the shipping operators questioned why an international registered boat was allowed to berth at the big domestic wharf.
“Its an international vessel and should not be allowed to berth at a domestic wharf. During that weekend the two international wharves were free,” the officer said.
Given the peak traveling period for the public to the provinces and most of the passenger and cargo vessels need a much bigger space for easy movement and loading.
“Not only that but it also raises safety concerns,” the officer said.
When contacted Solomon Ports said; ”Solomon Ports acknowledges the concerns raised by the local shipping operators regarding the berthing of the international research vessel Hydra at the newly constructed domestic wharf from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2025.
“We wish to clarify that the decision to allocate temporary berthing space for Hydra at the domestic wharf was made following careful assessment of its specific operational requirements and safety protocols, given the vessel’s scientific research nature.
“We acknowledge the impact this may have had on local operators and assure all stakeholders that we are taking steps to improve coordination and planning.
“Moving forward, we will ensure that international vessels are directed to the appropriate international berths, while prioritizing access to domestic wharves for local shipping operators, particularly during peak travel periods.”
The officer said, most of the small and old jetties are short, thus, for longer vessels it poses risk when they berth because at times during low tide some vessels got stuck on sand that have been piling up under the wharves.
The spokesperson also highlighted that because of the situation some of the private shipping operators have also considered building their own domestic wharves.
