PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Honiara
Pilot
updated May 2010- Honiara pilot boarding position Pilot boards09°25.0′S 159°58.0′E
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 40m in length between Long 159°57'E and Long 159°59'E and S of Lat 09°25'S.
Pilots board 0.7nm NE of Point Cruz.
Key data
updated Feb 2020Size limits
Harbour: LOA 296m, draught 10.5m.
MBM: LOA unrestricted, draught 14.0m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 0.9m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honiara Oil Terminal | 14.00 m | — | 1 |
| Honiara International Port | 10.50 m | 296 m | 2 |
| Honiara LPG | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2020Approach
The approaches to Honiara through Lungga Roads (09°24'S 159°58'E) are clear of dangers provided keep at least 370m from Point Cruz Beacon, identified by a quick, flashing red light. On the foreshore, in front of Shell Company's oil storage tank, is a beacon with a fixed green light. Above on Vavaya Ridge a white light flashes every 5 seconds from a radio station tower. When in line, bearing 234.5°, the 2 lights give correct approach to the anchorage.
Minimum depth for turning basin is 11.0m, and diameter of 300m.
Anchorages
A prohibited anchorage area E of Point Cruz is bounded by a line running E from Point Cruz Light (09°26.27'S 159°57.77'E) for about 0.5nm to 159°58'E, then:
In a S direction (180°) to the shore line E edge of the Mataniko River mouth.
Holding ground is good but consists of coral, except opposite Mataniko River which has rolled river gravel.
Large vessels can find shelter in the lee and deep water off Savo Island.
Restrictions
Berthing in daylight only, departure any time.
Tugs
One tug of 2,000bhp.
Charts and publications
SLB 101, 201, 304. Admiralty Pilot NP60, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2020ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notice of ETA to coast radio station, Honiara, 24 hours prior to arrival. Marine Office has RT communication on VHF Ch 16, setting watch 2 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
Honiara Radio, 500, 2182, 6213kHz.
VHF: Ch 09, 16.
Tel: +677 22646 (ext. 2033).
Health
Radio pratique requests to be sent 24 and 8 hours prior to arrival.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Compliance: The ISPS Code is not in force in the Solomon Islands.
The US Coast Guard has reported (13 September 2004) that vessels arriving at US ports from the Solomon Islands, after visits to ports in Africa and the former Soviet Union, will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to report compliance with the ISPS Code.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Description: Solomon Islands consist of a double chain of 6 large islands and many smaller ones extending over 900nm of ocean in a SE/NW direction, lying between Lat 06°30'S and 13°00'S and 156°00'E and Long 162°30'E. Santa Cruz Islands and Duff Islands, lying between 09°40'S, and 12°45'S and Long 165°40'E and Long 167°15'E, are part of the Solomon Islands.
Port services
updated Feb 2020Repairs
Limited minor repairs only available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Diesel fuel is available at the domestic berth for local vessels and fishing vessels. Bunkering can be arranged at the deep water berth for international shipping.
Fresh water: Available at 20tph by barge.
Medical
Local doctor and dentist available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Henderson Airport, 16km.
Working hours
Normally 0730-1600hrs and 1530-0001hrs.
About Honiara
updated Feb 2020Where it is
Honiara is situated on the N side of the island of Guadalcanal and is the principal port of the Solomon Islands.
The port
The port handles general cargo, container, Ro-Ro, cruise, passenger and liquid cargo.
Questions about Honiara
Where does the pilot board at Honiara?
The pilot boards at Honiara pilot boarding position, 09°25.0′S 159°58.0′E.
What time zone is Honiara in?
Local time at Honiara is UTC+11. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Honiara?
The deepest berth listed is at Honiara Oil Terminal: 14.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Honiara?
1025.
Which load line zone is Honiara in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Honiara?
The UN/LOCODE of Honiara is SBHIR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Honiara say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.