THE visiting Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Honourable Richard Marles, has announced a package of commitments for Solomon Islands maritime sector.
A statement from the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands said the package builds on Australia’s 40-year strong Defence Cooperation Program.
Australia has already provided more than 20 ray boats to the RSIPF in the last 12 months and as part of its commitment, it will be replacing more than 80 per cent of the RSIPF’s small boat fleet by 2024.
Australia will also be refurbishing the RSIPF’s small boat infrastructure facilities across Solomon Islands.
According to the Australian High Commission, works have been completed at Taro and Tulagi and will further commence over the next 12 months in Gizo, Auki, Buala, Kirakira and Kulitanai.
It said these facilities include new sheds, water tanks and storage facilities to ensure the RSIPF can safely and securely store their small boats.
Australia is exploring private sector financing for the refurbishment of the Sasape shipyard, which is the largest employer in Tulagi and one of only two commercial shipyards in Solomon Islands capable of servicing vessels over 500 tonnes.
“Refurbishing the shipyard will mean that local shipping can undergo repairs and refurbishment in Solomon Islands, rather than traveling to Fiji, Vanuatu or Australia.
“This will help improve safety and lower costs,” the statement said.
It said hydrography is another important aspect of maritime safety and since 2017 Australia has been the Primary Charting Authority for Solomon Islands.
This partnership supports safe and efficient maritime trade and port operations and safe coastal navigation for mariners through the development of surveys and nautical charts.
Australia and Solomon Islands are continuing to work in partnership to enhance Solomon Islands’ capability to address security threats such as Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing and transnational crime.
This includes delivering on the Australian Government’s commitment to double regional aerial surveillance funding for Pacific island countries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), wider support to FFA-coordinated regional maritime surveillance, and long-term support for the Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, RSIPV Gizo and Taro, including arming them as announced in June 2021.
Australia is pleased to be supporting the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority with increased technical capacity, enhanced maintenance and sustainment support and tailored additional training to support enhanced maritime security outcomes.
