All Solomon Islands Ports, Solomon Islands
The ports of the Solomon Islands serve as the nation’s primary maritime gateway, connecting the islands to global trade and supporting economic growth.
Port Overview
Solomon Islands ports are primarily located on Guadalcanal and New Georgia, with the main facilities at Honiara and Noro. Honiara Port is the largest and principal gateway, while Noro Port serves as the secondary international hub. These ports are strategically important for regional trade, connecting the Solomon Islands to Australia, Asia, and Pacific nations. Annual TEU capacity is modest, with Honiara and Noro together handling approximately 30,000–40,000 TEU per year. Their role is vital for the nation’s imports, exports, and maritime connectivity in the South Pacific.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Solomon Islands ports are managed by SIPA, with main facilities at Honiara and Noro. Honiara Port features two international berths, seven domestic jetties, container storage, and equipment such as forklifts, reach stackers, and container handlers. Noro Port serves as a key transshipment and fishing hub. The Millennium Terminal is the largest domestic passenger terminal. Most ports handle general cargo, containers, and have basic cargo handling equipment; AGVs are not in use.
Container Terminals
The main container terminals in the Solomon Islands are at Honiara and Noro. Honiara Port has 2 main berths for container handling, with a yard capacity of approximately 1,000 TEU and limited automation, mainly manual operations. Noro Port has 1 main berth, smaller capacity, and is also manually operated. The Solomon Islands Ports Authority is the major operator for both terminals. There are no fully automated container terminals in the country.
Port Services
Main services at all Solomon Islands Ports include:
- Container handling: Loading, unloading, stacking, and storage of containers, including reefer (refrigerated) container services and container fumigation.
- Cargo operations: General cargo handling, weighing, and storage for various cargo types.
- Ship services: Pilotage, towage, refuelling, freshwater supply, waste disposal, and incineration.
- Warehousing: Short-term and long-term storage facilities for cargo and containers.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Solomon Islands ports include Honiara, Noro, Gizo, Allardyce Harbour, Ringi Cove, Shortland Island, Tulagi, and Yandina. The main international gateways are Honiara and Noro, serving the Pacific Islands region. These ports connect to major shipping routes linking Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and other Pacific nations, supporting trade in agricultural products, seafood, and general cargo across Melanesia and beyond.
Port Statistics
All Solomon Islands Ports – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 128,000 TEU (2019), with a historical peak of 204,000 TEU in 2014.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports.
- Number of Berths: Main ports (Honiara and Noro) have a combined total of 5–7 berths.
- Port Area: Honiara Port covers about 14 hectares; Noro Port is smaller.
- Shipping Lines: Served by regional and international lines including Swire Shipping, Pacific Direct Line, and others.
