Logistics services in Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

Most international freight moves by sea through a small group of coastal ports including Honiara, Port Noro, Ringgi Cove, Gizo Harbor, Tulaghi and Yandina. The country handles about 128,000 TEU of container traffic and has a coastline of about 5,300 km, with seaport berths generally in the 5 to 8 m depth range. Air freight uses Honiara International Airport and Munda Airport, with scheduled services and a small air cargo volume of about 9 million tonne-km.

Shippers typically export wood, fish, gold, precious metal ore and palm oil, and import refined petroleum, plastic products, fish, broadcasting equipment and iron structures. International carriers such as ANL, APL, CMA CGM, Maersk and ONE have offices in Honiara or Noro, which helps arrange ocean services to main trade partners in China, Australia, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia. Overall logistics performance is near the world median, with a Logistics Performance Index score of 2.8.

When selecting freight forwarders in Solomon Islands, shippers should focus on experience at Honiara, Port Noro and other listed ports, as these handle the bulk of sea freight. Container throughput was about 128,000 TEU in 2019, and the country ranked 117th of 168 worldwide for that volume, which affects sailing frequency and consolidation options. The liner shipping connectivity index stood at 8.14 in 2021, making reliable carrier relationships important.

The 2022 logistics performance index shows an overall score of 2.8, close to the world median of 2.7, but customs performance was lower at 2.4 versus a 2.6 median, so forwarders with strong clearance capabilities matter. Check that agents work regularly with the main trade partners: China, Australia, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands on exports, and China, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan and Malaysia on imports. Global carriers with local offices such as ANL, APL, CMA CGM, Maersk and ONE can be part of the routing setup arranged by competent local forwarders.

FCL and LCL shipping from and to Solomon Islands is centered on several seaports. World Port Index data lists 6 ports, with Port Noro and Ringgi Cove identified as small ports, and Honiara, Yandina and Gizo Harbor as very small. Cargo pier depths reach about 7.9 m at Port Noro, Ringgi Cove and Honiara, 6.4 m at Yandina, and 4.9 m at Gizo Harbor, shaping vessel size and stowage planning.

Total container throughput was about 128,000 TEU in 2019, placing the country 117th of 168 globally and 18th of 33 in East Asia & Pacific. The liner shipping connectivity index was 8.14 in 2021, ranked 111th of 169 worldwide. International lines with local offices include ANL, APL, CMA CGM and ONE in Honiara, and Maersk in Noro, providing options for FCL and LCL bookings. Overall logistics performance for international shipments scored 2.9 in 2022, with timeliness at 3.2, supporting planning of sailing windows and transit expectations.

Air freight in Solomon Islands uses two airports with scheduled services: Honiara International Airport (HIR) and Munda Airport (MUA). Total air cargo volume is about 9 million tonne-km, with a world rank of 94 of 184 and a regional rank of 19 of 30, indicating a modest but active air logistics market.

Air makes sense for higher-value or time-sensitive shipments such as some mining-related parts, selected manufactured imports like broadcasting equipment, and urgent consignments of fish or other perishables. Most bulk exports, including wood and palm oil, typically move by sea, while air freight serves lighter, higher-value goods to and from partners such as China, Australia, Singapore and others.

Solomon Islands is not landlocked and relies on coastal and island connections rather than cross-border road corridors. The coastline extends about 5,313 km, with key ports including Gizo Harbor, Honiara, Port Noro, Ringgi Cove, Tulaghi and Yandina. Domestic road movements typically feed these seaports and airports, including Honiara International Airport (HIR) and Munda Airport (MUA), which link the country to regional and global air cargo networks.

Logistics performance is moderate, with an overall LPI score of 2.8 in 2022. Customs and infrastructure scored 2.4 and 2.6, while international shipments, logistics competence and tracking each scored 2.9. Timeliness is relatively stronger at 3.2. Air freight volumes were about 9 million tonne-km in 2023, supporting higher-value or time-sensitive cargo alongside coastal and inter-island shipping.

Customs clearance in Solomon Islands operates in a WTO member environment, with WCO membership since January 2023. The applied tariff rate averages about 21 percent in 2022, which can significantly affect landed costs for importers. On the Logistics Performance Index, customs scores 2.4 against a world median of 2.6, slightly below average but with overall logistics at 2.8.

Typical document foundations are the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, with supporting papers depending on the commodity. Historical border compliance times were about 9 days for exports and 11 days for imports in 2007. Shippers should work with brokers or forwarders experienced in the country’s customs procedures and in managing trade with main partners such as China, Australia, Singapore and others.