South Pacific Oil Ltd (SPO) is planning to establish a fuel depot in Noro, Western province in partnership with Soltuna and National Fisheries Development (NFD).
As part of the new set up SPO general manager Carson Korowa is currently in Noro to discuss with the management of Soltuna and NFD about the partnership deal which is expected to benefit companies, business houses and the country in general.
Mr Korowa said establishing a fuel storage facility in Noro will boost business activities in the province especially at an international port that should have such facility to attract foreign boats and make business easier for the two companies and the province in general.
The GM said if ships are coming into the country from Singapore, they can get cheaper fuel at Noro enabling a much more viable environment for the Western province if plans go on well.
The SPO boss said although they don’t have land in Western province, such partnership deal will give a win-win situation for all parties and benefits the whole community.
Adding, that in the fuel industry, proper facilities must be in place like storage to ensure safety and accessibility.
Korowa said shipowners will think twice to send in their boats if there is no proper facilities are in place at our ports.
“Having this fuel storage at Noro will be a boost for business activities of Soltuna, NFD and business houses in the Western province as more foreign boats will call in due to a more cheaper fuel cost at Noro,” Mr Korowa, a Papua New Guinea national said.
The Solomon Star understands frequency of foreign liners and fishing boats into Noro is not like Honiara due to high fuel costs and poor berthing facilities.
But now that the ports facilities are upgraded with a fuel storage coming soon, boat owners will now have confidence in sending in their boats to Noro.
By Daniel Namosuaia
