Solomon Islands will change its shipping laws after the recent disastrous oil spill near a marine reserve.
MV Solomon Trader oil spill on Rennell Island, Solomon Islands. Photo: The Australian High Commission Solomon Islands
Salvage and cleanup efforts are underway off Rennell Island, where a grounded mining ship has spilled an estimated 100 tonnes of oil into the sea.
The Solomon Islands Maritime Safety administration acting director Jonah Mitau said the government is looking at changes to the Shipping Act.
He said currently the laws only cover safety but will be extended to cover insurance and commercial responsibility for damages.
Mr Mitau said changes are unlikely to happen until early next year.