Historic achievement for the country’s leading SOE
THE Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), Maersk Shipping and Tri-Marine will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Honiara on Wednesday.
SIPA CEO Eranda Kotelawala told the Solomon Star that the main objective of this deal is to increase the volume of reefer containers originating from the Port of Noro with the assistance of Maersk and TriMarine.
“Maersk will be providing two fish off-loaders and training as part of their obligation to this MoU.
“TriMarine will carry-out business development to bring more fishing vessels to off-load their fish at the Noro Port which will be converted to reefer cargo for export.
“The MoU will also assist the Port of Noro transform into a regional export hub in the Pacific,” Mr Kotelawala said.
He said the MoU will also assist in creating jobs and livelihood development in Noro and let exporters get competitive shipping rates to export their products to the rest of the world.
“The MoU will also look at investing in solar energy to power reefer containers as it gradually transforms into a Green Port in the future,” he said.
Maersk Line has been known for reliable, flexible and eco-efficient transportation and logistics services since 1928.
As the world’s largest container shipping and a world leader in sustainable shipping, Maersk Line moves 12 million containers every year and delivers them to every corner of the globe.
Maersk employs more than 33,000 men and women, owns 630 vessels and has 306 offices in 114 countries.
Maersk Line provides end-to-end transportation to almost anywhere in the world.
Tri Marine was originally formed in Singapore in 1972 as a tuna procurement activity for an Italian government-owned group of companies, since then the company has grown to become one of the largest tuna supplying companies in the world.
TriMarine is one of preferred suppliers of tuna and tuna supply-related services to the leading tuna brands worldwide.
It also works to help manage and protect tuna as a natural resource.
The right combination of fishing fleets, processing plants, and global organisation makes Tri Marine a comprehensive and reliable supply partner for tuna and tuna products.
Tri Marine’s activities include fishing, trading, processing and marketing with offices and operations in strategic locations around the world. With a presence in all major tuna-producing areas, TriMarine is able to provide a flexible and strategic supply solution for customers.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will be the chief guest at tomorrow’s official programme at Heritage Park Hotel.
He will be joined by other cabinet ministers and key officials from Maersk and Tri Marine and stakeholders.
As part of the official programme, Maersk and Tri Marine representatives and SIPA senior officers will make a one-day visit to the Noro Port and return to Honiara on the same day.
By TEDDY KAFO
