[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Security and reporting gaps at sufferance facilities were highlighted during the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 last month.
Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Thierry Nerval confirmed that industrial cargo operations at sufferance wharf increased last year.
He acknowledged that there had been reporting issues.
“Yes, we had an issue because we were not informed of the discharging and storage of cargo in these port facilities,” he told the BLC committee.
The BLC also raised concerns about whether similar situations could occur in other provinces such as Malaita and Western Province, where industrial cargo could potentially be discharged without authorities being aware.
In response Mr Nerval said that this is the risk that needs to be managed.
He said that authorities have been working closely with Customs to strengthen security measures at all locations where cargo is loaded and discharged.
He said that the operational landscape has shifted in recent years, with more cargo now entering ports outside Honiara, including privately operated facilities.
“When the Solomon Islands Ports Authority-managed Leroy Wharf commenced operations in 2020, maritime authorities immediately required a security assessment and security plan to be developed. Since then, annual audits have been conducted,” he said.
He said that strengthening port facility security and improving national coordination between agencies remain key priorities.
However, he admitted that inspecting every container and package entering the country is not feasible.
“No country in the world inspects all containers and opens all packages,” he said.
He said that intelligence gathering and vessel profiling are the primary tools used to detect illicit cargo.
“When vessels are cleared through intelligence checks, entry is facilitated. Where intelligence raises concerns, additional controls are imposed,” he said.
He said that intelligence sharing is crucial, particularly with Customs agencies regionally and internationally.
“Customs administrations across the region share intelligence information, which supports monitoring efforts. Two years ago, Solomon Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea’s maritime administration to improve information sharing. Papua New Guinea serves as a major transshipment point in the region, alongside Vanuatu and Fiji.
“Under the agreement, information about vessel movements and potential issues is communicated promptly, enabling authorities to monitor and, where necessary, control vessels entering Solomon Islands waters,” Nerval said.
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