Leeroy Port in Ranadi, East Honiara will operate under Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).
While sufferance wharves throughout the country will be closed, as the government moves to review the Ports Act and all related legislation governing international ports.
The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive suite of reforms following its meeting last month.
The decisions mark a significant step under the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy to consolidate and modernise port operations, ensuring alignment with national economic, security, and regulatory interests.
The reforms centre on three key decisions:
1. Formalisation of Leeroy Port under SIPA
Leeroy Port will be formally brought under the operational and management authority of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and governed by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority Act. As a result, all port fees, dues, and pilotage charges at Leeroy Port will be levied and collected by SIPA.
The move is intended to standardise port operations, strengthen safety and security compliance, and ensure that all port-related revenues are properly channelled into national coffers.
2. Regulatory Reform of Ports Legislation
Cabinet has directed a comprehensive review and reform of the Ports Act and all related legislation governing international ports. The review aims to modernise the legal framework by closing regulatory gaps, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and aligning Solomon Islands’ port governance with international best practices in security, efficiency, and environmental protection.
3. Closure of All Sufferance Wharves
Cabinet has also approved the closure of all private sufferance wharves. Exceptions will only be considered under strict criteria and must clearly demonstrate alignment with defined national interest policy objectives.
This measure is aimed at curbing revenue leakage, strengthening biosecurity and customs controls, and consolidating maritime trade through officially regulated ports.
The Solomon Star understands that Cabinet’s decisions have already been forwarded to the Controller of Customs, John Lagi, and other relevant stakeholders for implementation.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
