Preparatory Work Continues at Bina Harbour with Marine Geotechnical Study

SECOND phase of geotechnical investigations was conducted in Malaita province last month progressing the Solomon Island Government’s plan for a new world class tuna processing facility and port at Bina Harbour.

The marine ‘over water’ study by engineering firm Tonkin and Taylor International from New Zealand involved drilling four holes of 100 millimetre into the seafloor to collect material samples that will characterise the geological profile below the sea floor. This information will help guide designers of the wharf as to the type of facility that can be built, the depth of foundations, and the materials that can be used at the site.

Prior to commencing drilling operations, local company Solomon Islands Explosive Ordnance Technicians (SIEOTEC) was contracted to provide unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance services at all drill locations.

This ensured all investigation sites were free from explosive remnants of war and safe to commence invasive work.

Also, on site was local shipping and logistic company Silent World, which delivered and assembled the 6 x 6 metre metal barge from which the engineers operated the drill and collected samples.

Community engagement officers from the Bina Harbour Project Office were onsite throughout the drilling process to facilitate local engagement. Fred Conning, Deputy Project Director for the project said that prior to the investigation, consultations were held with registered landowner groups and other stakeholders to ensure broad participation and support.

Dr Christain Ramofafia, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, said the completion of these studies is a significant milestone.

“It will inform design activities and contribute to realising the project’s full scope and the government’s economic development ambitions for Bina.” The month-long investigation follows a ground study completed late 2024 to assist with the design of port facilities, enabling infrastructure and the tuna processing plant. The study looked at geological characteristics that would influence land buildings and roads.

The samples from this recent phase of work will be taken offshore and analysed in a New Zealand laboratory. Following this, engineers will be well informed to commence site design.

The preparatory work for developments at Bina Harbour is led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources with funding support from the New Zealand Government.

Source: Bina Harbour Development Project