SIPA took delivery of new cranes
The Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s operation at the International Port of Honiara has recently been boosted with the delivery of three new container cranes.
Bought from Kalmar a Singaporean Company, the cranes were handed over to SIPA in a short ceremony at the International Wharf in Honiara in the presence of guests, media personals and staff of SIPA. Two Singaporean representatives of Kalmar who were also present at the ceremony were presented with gifts by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of SIPA (CEO) Mr. Glyn Joshua.
The presents were a show of acknowledgement for the training they provided for the staff of SIPA in handling and maintaining the machines. Mr. Joshua said that SIPA has been in operation since 1956 and to have taken delivery of such machines 62 years later is a milestone achievement that would go down in the history of the State Owned Enterprise (SOE).Mr Joshua further said that the significance of the event falls within the vision and mission statement of the SIPA.SIPA“s mission is to establish a more competitive port through a proper mechanization and digitization of its service and in so doing attracts recognition as a port of choice for the Pacific and the world at large. This includes the provision of world class logistic, shipping and port management services.
He said SIPA has done well over the years and is financially self-sufficient. The Acting CEO said that the delivery of the new machines will enhance service delivery at the international ports of Honiara and Noro. Mr Joshua also said that although SIPA is small in comparison to neighbouring Papua New Guinea and Fiji, the steady mechanization and digitization of its services has attracted a steady flow of shipping lines. One Container Crane will be sent to Noro while the other two will be used in Honiara.