Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project completes concept design, outlining infrastructure costs and investment needs.
After a year of geotechnical studies, technical assessments, and design work, the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project has completed a concept design for the port, marine-side infrastructure, and onshore facilities. The design was presented to the project’s cross-government Technical Working Group (TWG) in Honiara in early December.
The concept design is sufficiently detailed to allow cost estimates to be developed and will inform the government of the level of investment required to construct the infrastructure.
TWG Chair Lisa Sugumanu, Deputy Secretary (Projects) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), which oversees the project, told TWG members that securing financing remains the project’s main challenge.
“MFMR is in dialogue with several development partners and major tuna plant operators. In addition, it has Memorandum of Understanding with Kiribati and Tuvalu who are interested in supplying tuna to Solomon Islands under the East New Britain initiative.”
While the project is expected to deliver economic benefits to the Government and people of Solomon Islands, it will require concessional lending and grant funding to offset high construction costs. The New Zealand Government is funding the development of the business case, which is being led by the International Finance Corporation and delivered through its contractor, the Castalia Group. The TWG was informed that the project’s potential contribution to stabilisation and peace in Solomon Islands could have a positive effect on the country’s sovereign risk rating.
Permanent Secretary of MFMR, Dr Christian Ramofafia, said he was encouraged by the progress of the project.
“This is a big project, and we have great ambitions for the development of the project for Malaita and the broader Solomon Islands,” he said.
Kramer Asia Pacific delivered the concept design for the land-side infrastructure, while Haskoning Australia developed the marine-side infrastructure and facilities to meet operational requirements. Cost estimates are being prepared by WH Partnership.
The port infrastructure includes a berth designed for efficient loading and unloading of fishing and international shipping vessels, as well as container and cargo handling areas. The associated onshore infrastructure includes a prepared construction pad, access roads, offices, accommodation for personnel, utilities, and storage facilities.
The tuna processing plant itself is not included in the concept design, as it will be designed, constructed, financed, and operated by a global tuna industry investor.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funds the Bina Harbour Project Office, which has delivered the design work for the Solomon Islands Government.
SOURCE : Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources
