Momase Express helps church revive shipping services

THE old vessel of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) the mv Momase Express will begin its first voyage out of Madang after three years of renovation work.
The ship was last used during the Karkar Synod in Madang in 2014, during which the Lutheran Shipping Services Ltd was liquidated.
A total of eight ships owned by the company was sold to a liquidator.
General church secretary Bernard Kaisom said the ship was recommissioned last Sunday at the Lutheran Shipping Wharf in Madang, in a humble ceremony attended by Madang MP Brian Kramer, retired Judge Sir Arnold Amet and church dignitaries from Madang and Germany.
He said the ship would travel today from Madang to Wasu and then on to Siassi Island, carrying mothers to attend the ELCPNG National Women’s Conference.
“Mv Momase Express was liquated just like all the other ships. However, it was the only ship the church bought back in 2015 from the liquidator,” Kaisom said.
“Since 2015, renovation was done. Whatever funds were available, we made sure to have it fully renovated. “The complete renovation inside each cabin was done perfect. There were new seats and beds installed, along with all safety requirements.
“Our only challenge left now is how to help our ELCPNG mothers travel to Siassi Island in time for their conference.”
Kaisom said the ship’s possible routes after the women’s conference would be from Madang-Wewak, Madang-Wewak-Vanimo, and Vanimo-Wewak-Madang.
“For the trips during the women’s conference, the ship will be using government jetties at Wasu and Siassi, and in Lae along with mv Ialibu, will use the Asiawe Wharf at Voco Point.
“At Asiawe Wharf, a passenger terminal is currently being built by Soltra Builders Ltd and part of it is leased to Consort Ltd.
“We will not use the old Namasu Wharf because it belongs to Nasfund.
“For Madang, the Poroman Wharf will be used by Lutheran Shipping Services. Part of it will be leased to another tenant, we are looking for a tenant.”