BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) project will foster maritime infrastructure development, blue economy development and coastal development.

Speaking during the launch of the ENC at the Seminar on E-Nevigation on our ocean: the contribution of SIMA-JICA project at the Heritage Park on Tuesday, Mr Malesi Mani said the ENC project aims to improve Maritime Navigational Safety.

The project is funded by Japan, coordinated and implemented by JICA in partnership with Aero Asahi Corporation (AAC) for expert support and the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) as the Primary Charting Authority (PCA) for collaborating and supporting the project.

Mr Mani, SIMA senior officer for safety of navigation, said that the ENC is made purposely for Maritime Navigation and is developed based on conducting a Hydrographic Survey in the country, first for Honiara and Noro Port.

He said that the Hydrographic data from the project can be used for Port and Harbour planning and infrastructure development.

“And other Coastal Developers and Government agencies can also develop and build wharfs, bridges and waterfront facilities by the Hydrographic data, especially for planning and engineering design.

“With all due respect, such economic activities will help develop our local economy,” he said.

The project directly helps prevent maritime accidents, promoting maritime safety.

He said that due to the quality of the data and the production of the ENCs, Vessels using such navigation systems will have the chance to avoid Collision and prevent Grounding by the Automated alerts from the ENC system.

“With the increase of Population and Maritime activities, SI needs to advance its capability in hydrographic data collection for more ENCs and maritime navigational needs and to avail navigational digital platforms to aid local and international navigators.

“And through massive hydrographic data collection, we can sustainably manage our ocean by protecting it, managing fisheries to safeguard our marine resources,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]