Shortland Harbour (SBSHH)

Shortland Harbour is now operated by the Solomon Island Defence Force as a border patrol boat base. All commercial activity has ceased. Information is retained for interest only.

Tropical.

Located on the SW coast of Shortland Island to the N of Bougainville Strait.

Max LOA 125m, draught 8.0m at LW.

Approx 20 vessels visit the port annually.

Anchorage is afforded in Lofung Harbour off a wharf on the W side of Faisi Island. Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 20.0m protected from the SE trades, 0.25nm NW of Orlofi Island (07°06'S 155°53'E), with the middle of Onua Island open N of it and bearing 103°.

Shortland Harbour is approached from either the SE or NW. SE approach: Initial position approx 5nm ESE of Cape Stephens (07°08'S 155° 53'E), the S extremity of Pirumeri Island. Approaching Shortland Harbour from SE, the track passes NE of Nila Light (red metal framework tower, 10m in height) 07°05'S 155°54'E, standing on a reef extending 0.6nm E from Onua Island. When Bambagiai Hill (07°05.9'S 155°51.3'E) can be seen open of the N end of Onua Island, the track leads W either to the pilot boarding area or to the entrance to Lofung Harbour. NW approach: Initial position about 2nm N of Kamaleai Point (06°57'S 155° 43'E), the N extremity of Shortland Island. Approaching Shortland Harbour from Western Entrance, the track leads ESE along the NE coast of Shortland Island off which numerous islands and dangers lie within 1.75nm of the shore: Then the track leads SSE through the channel between Balalai Island (07°00'S 155°53'E) and the main island, passing (positions relative to the S extremity of Balalai Island): WSW of a shoal with a depth of 4.3m over it (0.6nm SSW), then: WSW of a bank with depths from 6.7-9.1m over it (1.5nm to 3nm SE); and: ENE of Kiakia Point (3nm SSW), the E extremity of Shortland Island. Then the track leads either to the pilot boarding area or to the entrance of Lofung Harbour. Lofung Harbour approach: The track into Lofung Harbour leads on a line of bearing about 194° of the SSW extremity of Faisi Island, ahead, passing positions relative to N extremity of Faisi: Over the SW extremity of a bank with a depth of 9.1m over it (0.5nm N), then: Between banks on either side marked by beacons (0.2nm NW), then: W of Cocoanut Islet (close N).

BA 3994; Aus 683. Admiralty Pilot NP60.

The passage into Lofung Harbour should not be attempted without a pilot. On arrival a vessel should anchor at the pilot boarding area situated about 0.7nm E of the N extremity of Faisi Island (07°05'S 155°52'E) and sound the whistle. The pilot will board from a tug which will accompany the vessel into the harbour. The tug is equipped with VHF.

Entry is permitted during daylight hours only.

Tidal streams set strongly through the channels separating the islands and at a rate from 2-3kts in Lofung Harbour.