New K2.2 million boat to boost PNG Ports’ pilotage services

A NEW K2.2 million customised pilot boat will boost the pilotage services provided by the PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports), says chief executive officer Fego Kiniafa.
The pilot boat will be arriving in Port Moresby on board the Swire Shipping vessel Tonga Chief from Brisbane.
It will be christened Paga after the Paga Hill which overlooks the Fairfax Harbour where PNG Ports is based in Port Moresby.
Two similar boats Siabo and Davage arrived last year and are used at the Motukea Port.
The pilot boats were specifically built for PNG Ports by Brisbane-based boat builders, Norman R. Wright & Sons. Two more are expected to be delivered soon.
Kiniafa said PNG Ports was investing heavily in pilotage services to meet business demands and industry standards.
“PNG Ports will undergo billion kina infrastructure developments, including the re-fleet of pilot boats and rehabilitation of the ports,” he said.
“We launched our 30-year port infrastructure master plan last year which attracted a concessional loan from the Australian infrastructure financing facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
“This AIFFP funding will go towards the rehabilitation of Kavieng, Kimbe, Oro Bay and Lorengau and further development of the Lae Tidal Basin.”
He said PNG Ports planned to diversify its business and investments in port rehabilitation and the new pilot boats were the platform to changes, to pave the way for economic growth.
“As a state-owned enterprise (SOE), PNG Ports is committed to remain relevant, profitable and to maximise the benefits these investments will bring.”
PNG Ports owns and operates 15 ports in the country.