UN/LOCODE: SBHIR📍 Solomon Islands
Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is (UN/LOCODE SBHIR)
❖ Coordinates: -9.4456°N, 159.9729°E
❖ Time Zone: Pacific/Guadalcanal
❖ UN/LOCODE: SBHIR
## About the Port
The Port of Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, is a major maritime facility in the Pacific region. With the UN/LOCODE SBHIR, it serves as the primary port for the country, facilitating the majority of its international trade. The port is situated in the Capital Territory, within the timezone Pacific/Guadalcanal, and is positioned at coordinates -9.4456381 latitude and 159.9728999 longitude. This strategic location enables the port to play a crucial role in the country's economy, connecting the Solomon Islands to global markets.
### Geographic Overview
The Port of Honiara is nestled in a natural harbor, providing a safe and sheltered environment for vessels to anchor and unload cargo. The surrounding terrain is characterized by dense forests and rugged mountains, which can pose logistical challenges for the transportation of goods to and from the port. However, the port's proximity to the capital city of Honiara and the availability of modern infrastructure have mitigated these challenges, making it an efficient and reliable hub for trade in the region.
## History
The Port of Honiara has a rich and complex history, dating back to the early 20th century when it was established as a colonial outpost by the British. During World War II, the port played a significant role as a military base for the Allied forces, with the Battle of Guadalcanal being a pivotal event in the war in the Pacific. After the war, the port underwent significant development, with the construction of new facilities and infrastructure to support the growing economy of the Solomon Islands. Today, the port is a major commercial center, with a wide range of services and facilities available to support international trade.
### Colonial Era and World War II
The Port of Honiara's history is closely tied to the colonial era, with the British establishing the port as a key location for the export of copra, timber, and other natural resources. The port's strategic location made it an attractive location for military bases, and during World War II, it was a key location for the Allied forces. The United States Navy↗ played a significant role in the development of the port during this period, with the construction of new facilities and infrastructure to support military operations.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Honiara has undergone significant investment in recent years, with the development of new infrastructure and facilities to support growing trade volumes. The port has a total of five berths, with a total length of 550 meters, and a maximum draft of 9 meters. The port is equipped with a range of modern facilities, including cranes, forklifts, and storage warehouses, to facilitate the efficient handling of cargo. In addition, the port has a dedicated container terminal, with a capacity to handle over 50,000 TEUs per year.
### Cargo Handling and Storage
The port's cargo handling and storage facilities are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of cargo types, including containers, bulk cargo, and project cargo. The port has a total storage area of over 10,000 square meters, with both open and covered storage facilities available. The port's cargo handling equipment includes mobile cranes, forklifts, and reach stackers, enabling the efficient and safe handling of cargo.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Honiara is the economic lifeline of the Solomon Islands, facilitating the majority of the country's international trade. The port is a major hub for the export of natural resources, including timber, fish, and minerals, as well as the import of goods such as food, fuel, and machinery. The port's economic importance extends beyond the national level, with the Solomon Islands being a key player in regional trade agreements, such as the Pacific Islands Forum↗.
### Trade Agreements and Regional Cooperation
The Solomon Islands is a signatory to a number of regional trade agreements, including the Pacific Islands Trade Agreement and the Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade Agreement. These agreements have facilitated the growth of trade between the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island nations, with the Port of Honiara playing a critical role in the transportation of goods. The port's strategic location and modern facilities make it an attractive location for regional trade, with a wide range of services and facilities available to support the efficient and reliable movement of cargo.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Honiara is connected to a number of major trade routes, including the Asia-Pacific trade route and the Pacific Island trade route. The port is a key hub for the export of natural resources, including timber and fish, with major markets including China, Japan, and Australia. The port also handles a significant volume of import cargo, including food, fuel, and machinery, with major suppliers including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
### Major Trading Partners
The Solomon Islands' major trading partners include China, Japan, Australia, and the United States, with a significant volume of trade also being conducted with other Pacific Island nations. The port's trade routes and major cargo types are diverse, reflecting the country's strategic location and the importance of the port in regional trade. The port's ability to handle a wide range of cargo types, including containers, bulk cargo, and project cargo, makes it an attractive location for international trade, with a wide range of services and facilities available to support the efficient and reliable movement of goods.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
SBHIR
Country
Solomon Islands
Province / Region
Capital Territory
Latitude
-9.445638
Longitude
159.972900
Timezone
Pacific/Guadalcanal
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is is SBHIR.
Where is Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is located?
The Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is is located in Solomon Islands, Capital Territory. Its coordinates are -9.4456°N, 159.9729°E.
What time zone is Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is in?
Port of Honiara, Guadalcanal Is operates in the Pacific/Guadalcanal time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Honiara, Guadalcanal Is.
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Vanuatu • 1290 km away