SIPA marks 70 years with a major summit, exhibitions and public celebrations in Honiara this June 2026
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is pleased to announce the upcoming celebrations of its 70th Platinum Anniversary, to be held on the 3rd and 4th of June 2026.
This year’s celebrations will be particularly significant and larger in scale than previous anniversaries, commemorating seven decades of dedicated service to the people and economy of Solomon Islands.
As part of the celebrations, SIPA will host a Summit on 3 June 2026 at the National Aquatic Centre in East Honiara. The Summit aims to engage key stakeholders, customers, development partners, and members of the maritime and shipping community in discussions on the past, present, and future of Solomon Ports.
The Summit programme will feature keynote speeches, historical exhibitions showcasing the evolution of the port over the last 70 years, and a series of panel discussion sessions. Importantly, the event will also provide an opportunity for SIPA Management to update stakeholders and customers on current, ongoing, and future developments aimed at improving port services and operations, including the implementation of the Ports Master Plan.
Panel discussions will focus on topics reflecting on the history of Solomon Ports and its contribution to the economic development of Solomon Islands, particularly its critical role in facilitating domestic and international trade. Additional discussions will explore future pathways for the port sector, including infrastructure development, digital transformation, partnerships, and service improvement initiatives.
Panelists will include former SIPA Chief Executive Officers, Board Members, representatives from the shipping and maritime trading community, Government officials, donor partners, and private sector representatives.
The main public celebration will take place on 4 June 2026 at the SIPA Magic Land Compound, located behind the Millennium Terminal in Honiara.
The event will be a full day of public exhibitions, historical showcases, information sessions, entertainment, and community engagement activities. Celebrations are expected to begin with a parade involving Solomon Ports staff from all departments, marching from the SMI grounds at Town ground to the Magic Land area.
The programme throughout the day will include official speeches, live entertainment, performances by SIPA staff, interactive exhibitions, and educational displays highlighting the history and operations of Solomon Ports.
The public will also participate in guided tours of the port terminal facilities, allowing students, schools, and members of the community to gain a better understanding of the important role ports play in supporting trade, shipping, and national development.
In addition, there will be live band performances, fun activities, merchandise giveaways, and interactive competitions with prizes throughout the day.
The event is open to the public, and Solomon Ports warmly encourages everyone to attend, learn more about the organisation and its services, and celebrate this important national milestone together.
Activities will commence at 8:00 AM and conclude at 4:00 PM.
Solomon Ports looks forward to celebrating 70 years of service, partnership, and progress with the people of Solomon Islands.
PRESS RELEASE
