[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Thierry Nerval, has highlighted the authority’s mandate to strengthen maritime security in Solomon Islands, particularly at port facilities handling international cargo.
Mr Nerval said SIMA was established under the CIMA Act in 2018 and has been fully operational since January 1, 2021. He added that the authority is now financially self-sufficient.
“For the purpose of this committee, our mandate is on maritime security,” Nerval said when he appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) during the hearing into the Dangerous Drugs amendment Bill 2025 last month.
He said that maritime security is governed by international standards and networks, particularly under the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
He said that these frameworks require countries to implement strict security measures to ensure cargo shipped between nations is properly secured and verified.
“As an example, when we receive cargo from Malaysia, China or the United States, we count on these countries to implement these standards and ensure that the cargo shipped to us is secured and that we know what has been put in that cargo.
“Likewise, Solomon Islands must meet the same standards when exporting goods, as destination countries rely on local authorities to ensure compliance,” he said.
Mr Nerval said preventing illegal activities, including the shipment of illicit goods and substances, depends largely on strengthening security measures at port facilities.
He said that under the SOLAS Convention definition, a port facility refers to any point of entry that loads or discharges cargo for international vessels.
“This includes public and private wharves, regardless of ownership. As soon as they receive international cargo from international vessels, they need to implement security measures, noting that measures are adapted depending on the nature and scale of operations,” he said.
He said that the process begins with a security assessment to identify risks and based on the assessment, a security plan is developed and implemented.
He said that SIMA requires all designated port facilities to undergo annual audits where a statement of compliance is issued for five years, subject to yearly inspections.
Mr Nerval said this system has been in place over the past five years at Honiara Port, Noro Port and Leroy Wharf.
He said that maintaining international maritime security standards is critical to protecting Solomon Islands’ borders and maintaining trust with global trading partners.
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