K5 million pilot boat destined for Lae Port

THE Lae Port will receive a K5 million customised pilot boat as port regulator PNG Ports Corporation continues to step up its pilotage standards, says officer-in-charge Ian Hayden-Smart.
The pilot boat named Morobe is the fourth customised pilot boat built for PNG Ports by renowned Brisbane-based boat makers Norman R Wright and Sons.
“PNG Ports has invested about K25 million on new pilot boats to boost the existing fleet, meet business demands and industry standards,” Hayden-Smart said.
Three identical boats – Siabo, Davage and Paga – which were delivered over the last two years, are being used in Port Moresby at the Motukea Port. Hayden-Smart said Morobe would serve Lae Port, while the arrival of a fifth pilot boat was expected towards the end of the year.
“Morobe has been tested and proven to meet industry standards, and has man over board recovery equipment, and easy access for parts and technicians.
“These new customised boats also have good fuel capacity, good speed and fuel consumption, good fendering system and superior stability.”
Fendering is protecting the ship’s sides from contact with another body (which can be another ship, jetty or quay wall). It can also mean protecting the jetty or berth from contact with ships.
“This investment will have maximum returns as PNG Ports continues to step up pilotage standards as a growth area,” he said.
Morobe will be christened soon at the Lae Port.
PNG Ports is the only pilotage provider in PNG that offers 24/7 coverage across the country’s network of ports.
The customised pilot boats were bought under a re-fleet programme to replace the existing fleet of 15.
Of these 15 pilot boats, five were bought from Singapore in 2016 while the rest were from more than 25 years ago.