Solomon Islands signs Shiprider Agreement with the U.S. to strengthen maritime security and protect marine resources
The Government today has signed the Shiprider Agreement with the United States of America in Honiara.
The signing marks a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation to safeguard the country’s vast maritime domain, protect marine resources and combat illegal activities at sea.
A government statement emphasised that the Shiprider Agreement establishes a framework allowing authorised Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated U.S vessels to jointly undertake maritime surveillance and enforcement operations.
“Under this arrangement, Solomon Islands officers will exercise their authority in accordance with Solomon Islands law and agreed operational procedures, particularly in matters within national jurisdiction,” the statement said.
For a nation of hundreds of islands dispersed across a vast ocean, effective maritime surveillance is both critical and resource-intensive.
The statement highlights that this partnership enhances Solomon Islands’ operational capacity by providing access to additional maritime assets, surveillance platforms, technical expertise and strengthened information-sharing mechanisms.
“The Agreement will support national efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, illicit trafficking, and other unlawful maritime activities. It will also help safeguard fisheries and marine resources that are vital to the livelihoods and economic future of Solomon Islanders.”
It said the Government emphasises that the Shiprider Agreement is a cooperative law enforcement arrangement that reinforces, rather than compromises, Solomon Islands’ sovereignty.
“The country retains full authority over its territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone, and the enforcement of its laws in accordance with international law,” it said.
In addition, the Agreement presents valuable opportunities to strengthen the skills, experience, and operational capability of Solomon Islands maritime and law enforcement personnel through practical collaboration with international partners.
Key benefits of the Agreement include enhanced maritime surveillance, improved enforcement against illegal activities, protection of fisheries revenue and marine resources, strengthened intelligence sharing, and increased operational capacity without the need for Solomon Islands to independently bear the full cost of advanced maritime assets.
The Government views this Agreement as part of its broader commitment to ensuring that Solomon Islands’ ocean territory and resources are protected for the benefit of its people today and for future generations.
SOURCE:// GCU PRESS RELEASE
