Solomon Islands Maritime Authority
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) convened the Solomon GREEN-DS Pilot Project Inception Meeting on 3 July 2026, bringing together maritime stakeholders, ship operators and project partners to formally launch the project and build a shared understanding of its objectives, implementation arrangements and expected outcomes. The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the project work plan, strengthen industry collaboration, and discuss broader actions to support a more efficient, resilient and environmentally sustainable domestic shipping sector in Solomon Islands.
Stakeholders and project partners at the Solomon GREEN-DS Pilot Project Inception Meeting, convened by the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority on 3 July 2026
Dates: 3 July 2026
Location: Mandarin Restaurant, Honiara Hotel, Honiara.
The meeting was opened by SIMA Director Mr. Thierry Nervale, who highlighted the GREEN-DS Pilot Project as an important opportunity to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support the long-term sustainability of domestic shipping in Solomon Islands. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among industry stakeholders and project partners to ensure the successful implementation of the project. An opening prayer was delivered by Ms Caroline Laore of SIMTA.
Mrs. Diana Vasula, Principal Officer Strategic and Project Support, presented the Solomon GREEN-DS Pilot Project, an IMO-supported initiative under the Global Maritime Network (GMN) Programme and a priority action under the Solomon Islands Plan for a Sustainable Maritime Future. The presentation outlined the project’s objectives, implementation arrangements, stakeholder roles and expected outcomes, including the installation of fuel monitoring technology and AIS on three pilot vessels—MV Ocean Joy, MV Uta II and MV Fair Lady. Participants were also briefed on the project’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainable maritime development in Solomon Islands.
Representatives of the three Pilot Ships: Frantji Shipping Ltd, Uta Shipping Ltd, and Fairwest Shipping Ltd with the SIMA Project team during the Solomon GREEN-DS Pilot Project Inception Meeting.
The SIMA Project Team presented the GREEN-DS Project Work Plan, outlining key activities, implementation timelines, stakeholder responsibilities and expected deliverables.
From the two sessions, participants welcomed the collaborative approach and noted that the project would be implemented at no cost to participating ship operators other than providing vessels, crews and operational support. Stakeholders recognised the importance of collecting reliable operational data to assess fuel consumption and energy efficiency, while ensuring confidentiality through formal data-sharing arrangements. The three pilot shipping companies were commended for their leadership and willingness to share lessons learned, and all operators were encouraged to contribute data and participate in future technical support activities.
Mrs. Diana Vasula presented SIMA’s proposal to the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator, which seeks support for feasibility studies to identify practical low-emission and energy-efficient maritime transport solutions for Greater Honiara and inter-island shipping services. The proposal focuses on assessing cleaner technologies, improving operational efficiency and strengthening integrated transport planning to support future maritime decarbonisation initiatives. Participants welcomed the opportunity to attract technical assistance, investment and partnerships, while noting that the proposal is focused on evidence-based feasibility studies rather than immediate implementation of technologies that may not yet be suitable for local shipping operators.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on wider maritime sector challenges, particularly the provision of shipping services to outer island communities and the carriage of illicit substances on domestic vessels.
Stakeholders recognised the importance of reliable shipping services for connectivity, trade and access to essential services, while acknowledging the commercial and operational challenges associated with servicing remote routes. Participants emphasised the need for continued cooperation between Government, SIMA and ship operators to improve service delivery, strengthen safety and security, and support a more resilient and sustainable maritime transport sector.
On outer-island shipping services, participants highlighted constraints including long distances, low passenger and cargo volumes, compliance requirements, operational costs and limited commercial viability. Stakeholders supported further collaboration to explore practical solutions, including regulatory approaches, government support mechanisms and long-term investment in maritime infrastructure and shipping networks.
Participants also discussed concerns regarding the carriage of illicit substances on domestic vessels and emphasised the need for stronger awareness, reporting, inspections and cooperation between Government agencies, SIPA, SIMA and ship operators. The meeting supported greater collaboration to strengthen prevention measures and promote a safe and secure maritime environment.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from SIMA’s Manager Executive Office, Ms Nester Nalangu-Dara, who thanked participants for their active engagement and contributions. She noted that the discussions and recommendations arising from the meeting would guide the next phase of the GREEN-DS Pilot Project and further strengthen collaboration between project partners, ship operators, industry stakeholders and participating institutions.
The following key outcomes were agreed on during the meeting:
The detailed report of the GREEN-DS Pilot Project Inception Meeting can be found here. Any complementary information can be requested to Diana Vasula, Principal Officer Strategic & Project Support at diana.vasula@sima.gov.sb. The presentations can be downloaded in the event programme below by clicking on the hyperlinks.
| Time | Agenda Item | Presenters | |
| 3rd July 2026 | |||
| 0830 – 0900 | Arrival at Mandarin Restaurant and Registration | SIMA | |
| Facilitator – Beima Taisia | |||
| 0900 – 0910 | Welcome Remarks | Thierry Nervale
Director SIMA |
|
| 0910 – 0915 | Opening Prayer | SIMTA rep | |
| 0915 – 1000 | 1 | Solomon GREEN-DS Pilot Project
Questions/Answers |
Diana Vasula
Principal Officer, Strategic and Project Support |
| 1000 – 1030 | Group Photo & Morning Tea | ||
| 1030 – 1100 | 2 | Solomon GREEN-DS Work Plan
Work Plan presentation Questions/Answers |
Diana Vasula
Principal Officer, Strategic and Project Support |
| 1100 – 1130 | 3 | Greater Honiara and Inter-Island Maritime Decarbonisation
Questions/Answers |
Diana Vasula
Principal Officer, Strategic and Project Support |
| 1130 – 1215 | Addressing other shipping challenges
Carriage of illicit substance Service to outer islands |
SIMA-SIMTA | |
| 1215 – 1230 | Wrap up and Outcomes
Closing Remarks |
Nester Nalangu
Manager, Executive Office |
|
| 1230 – 1330 | Lunch | ||
| End of Meeting | |||
SIMA – Solomon Islands Maritime Authority
PO Box 1932 – Solomon Islands
(677) 21535
contact@sima.gov.sb