SIMA advances certification process while preserving Solomon Islands’ maritime heritage
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has achieved another significant milestone in its efforts to preserve and revitalize the traditional shipbuilding heritage of Langa Langa Lagoon, with MV Grace successfully arriving and docking at Honiara Wharf this week for the technical assessment and certification activities.
The vessel is currently undergoing Phase Two of the project following SIMA’s recent mission to Langa Langa Lagoon and partnership with Trinity Marine Consultancy Services (TMCS). The initiative aims to preserve traditional shipbuilding knowledge while ensuring locally built vessels can meet modern maritime regulations and certification requirements.
A key milestone was the completion of an Inclining and Stability Test conducted by SIMA Vessel Inspectors and SIMA Naval Architect, George Kava. The assessment measured MV Grace’s displacement, centre of gravity, and stability characteristics, providing critical data required for vessel certification, registration, and compliance with Solomon Islands maritime regulations.
MV Grace represents an important step in preserving Solomon Islands’ unique shipbuilding heritage, demonstrating that traditional craftsmanship and modern maritime regulations can work together to create a sustainable and culturally significant future for domestic shipping.
Originally constructed through the renowned Langa Langa shipbuilding tradition, MV Grace demonstrates how indigenous maritime expertise can be successfully integrated with modern certification requirements and maritime regulations. The vessel serves as a practical example of SIMA’s commitment to preserving traditional knowledge while advancing the initial certification of traditionally built vessels.
The next stage of the project will focus on analysing the technical data collected from the vessel and completing the documentation, technical drawings, and initial certification requirements necessary to advance MV Grace through the formal registration process.
Beyond MV Grace, SIMA will continue working with traditional shipbuilders, local communities, government ministries, and educational institutions to support the preservation of traditional shipbuilding knowledge and explore future training and apprenticeship opportunities.
The MV Grace Project forms part of SIMA’s broader commitment to safeguarding Solomon Islands’ maritime heritage while promoting a safe, resilient, and sustainable domestic shipping sector for future generations.
About SIMA
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) is responsible for regulating vessel safety through inspections, certification, registration, and technical compliance processes throughout Solomon Islands. Through vessel assessments, technical documentation, and stability testing, including the recent Inclining and Stability Test of MV Grace, SIMA supports safer, more compliant, and more sustainable maritime operations across the country.
SOURCE// SIMA PRESS RELEASE
