HONIARA, Solomon Islands – February 25, 2026 – Pacific Towing (PacTow), a prominent marine services provider in the Pacific region, has bolstered its towage capabilities in the Solomon Islands with the return of Tug Kavachi after an extensive dry-docking and refurbishment in Singapore valued at SBD 8 million.
The Tug Kavachi, which is flagged under the Solomon Islands and is managed by a fully Solomon Islander crew, has resumed operations at the Port of Honiara. With the addition of Kavachi to the fleet alongside the robust ASD tug Pacific Salvor, which boasts a bollard pull of 50 tonnes, PacTow now operates two tugs with a combined bollard pull of 90 tonnes. This development allows PacTow to perform two-tug harbour movements in Honiara for the first time, enhancing the port’s capability to handle larger and more complex vessel operations efficiently.
This increased capacity strengthens the operational reliability of the Solomon Islands’ maritime infrastructure, facilitating safer manoeuvres for vessel arrivals and departures. Furthermore, PacTow’s capabilities extend to servicing Noro Port through mobilization, marking a significant expansion in its operational reach.
Gerard Kasnari, General Manager of PacTow, highlighted that Kavachi’s return represents an important milestone in the company’s commitment to safe and reliable harbour towage in the Solomon Islands. “PacTow is now well-positioned to support the growing volume and size of vessels calling into the port. This upgrade not only enhances port operations but also plays a vital role in the broader development of maritime infrastructure in the Solomon Islands,” said Kasnari.
He further emphasized the company’s dedication to maritime safety and reliability, stating, “Investing in Kavachi’s extensive dry docking and ensuring she continues to be crewed by Solomon Islanders reflects our commitment to localisation within the maritime industry.”
Having served the Solomon Islands for over a decade, PacTow is also committed to fostering local maritime talent. In 2025, the company awarded maritime cadetship scholarships to four Solomon Islanders who are currently enrolled at Fiji’s National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS), highlighting its dedication to developing future leaders in the industry.
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