Consort adds K25mil vessel to its fleet

THE Consort Express Lines has added a vessel to its fleet costing about K25 million through the company’s K130 million investment programme.
The MV Papuan Coast, formerly known as MV Dili Chief, has now been integrated into Consort’s liner operations following its deployment in its network since November 2023.
The acquisition was completed on the Feb 3, 2024.
General Manager corporate affairs Steamships Limited, Vele Rupa said Consort had a K130 million investment programme to renew its fleet, enhance its liner service offering and to improve the reliability of its product for its customers.
This includes the K25 million acquisition of the Papuan Coast, a K87 million investment in additional tugs and barges now operating in Consort’s liner network, plus a K18 million capital expenditure on dry-docking and maintaining its core liner fleet.
‘’This is a significant investment in Consort’s network and underscores our commitment to providing safer and more reliable services and improving our service proposition to our customers,” he said.
“These recent acquisitions position Consort with a high quality and versatile fleet that offers a comprehensive and integrated network of services reaching all PNG ports.
“Our customers want more choices in sailing between Lae and Port Moresby.”
Consort general manager Antony Riley added that the vessel would play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demands of customers.