SOLOMON Islands domestic shipping industry will soon benefit from improved vessel maintenance services thanks to an SBD 50 million investment by Solomon Islands Shipyard Limited (SISL)and the Australian Government to rehabilitate the Sasape Shipyard in Tulagi, Central Province.
Visiting the Shipyard, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Rod Hilton, said that as a maritime nation, Solomon Islands needs safe maritime transport and shipping for the movement of people and goods around the country.
“That’s why Australia is partnering with a local Tulagi business – to make sure Tulagi residents are employed to rehabilitate this shipyard.”
Sasape Shipyard is the largest employer in Central Province, employing more than thirty staff. It has the potential to offer slipping facilities for vessels of up to 500 tonnes, as well as a wide range of repair and maintenance services.
Once rehabilitation works are completed next year, the shipyard will not only have the capability to fully service domestic and international vessels, it will also make the Solomon Islands a regional hub for vessel maintenance services, bringing in more work for locals.
Australia’s investment of SBD50 million, which includes lending from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, will provide an important boost to economic development for Solomon Islanders.
