[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Penguin Wharf has facilitated and managed the unloading of cargo for Gold Ridge Mining Limited.
Philippe Thieu of Elite Enterprises Limited told the Bills and Legislation Committee during its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 that Penguin Wharf was considered a more suitable option for the company’s cargo operations than the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).
Thieu, who represented the Penguin wharf said the nature and specifications of the cargo required specialised handling arrangements.
“These vessels are being chartered by Gold Ridge Mining to come and discharge cargo. They don’t deal with any other cargo,” Thieu said.
He said that the two main types of cargo handled are Quicklime, an industrial material, and machinery and equipment.
He added that explosives are also part of the shipments linked to mining operations.
According to Thieu, Gold Ridge Mining had expressed concern that the SIPA wharf is located too far from the mine site, potentially affecting the timely and safe transportation of cargo.
He outlined the clearance process, saying that upon arrival at Honiara Port, the mother vessel undergoes mandatory inward clearance formalities with SIPA. A cargo release order must be approved by the Comptroller of Customs before any discharge operation can begin.
“Once cleared and released by Customs and Biosecurity, the barges will proceed to Penguin Wharf for the final discharging,” he said.
Thieu noted that at least two customs and biosecurity officers are stationed at the mother vessel, while additional officers are deployed at Penguin Wharf to oversee the final discharge of cargo.
He said the discharging operation only commences after the Customs Controller approves the discharge plan.
“Once cargo is offloaded at Penguin Wharf, it is transported to designated customs facilities, including Kingsway House at Henderson, for further inspection,” he said.
In terms of licensing and regulation, Thieu confirmed that Penguin Wharf operates with approval from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority.
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