PNG Ports names K4.8mil pilot boat after city landmark

PAPUA New Guinea Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports) has christened its latest A$2.2 million (about K4.83 million) customised pilot boat, thanks to its long-standing relationship with the Australian government.
MV Paga was christened in a ceremony yesterday.
The boat is part of an A$11 million (about K24.17 million) investment by PNG Ports on the purchase of five pilot boats to boost its fleet, meet business demands and industry standards.
Acting chief executive Rodney Begley said PNG Ports and Australia had a long history together with the foundations its 15 ports built under the Australian administration.
“Further strengthening our relationship, PNG Ports has also received funding support from the Australian government to upgrade these ports,” Begley said.
“In January, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), a concessional loan of K1.5 billion was given to upgrade four of these ports,” he added.
“The transport sector support programme also funded K26 million for a complete safety and security upgrade at all ports last year.”
Begley thanked State Enterprises Minister William Duma for supporting PNG Ports’ vision as a State-owned company that was committed to staying relevant, profitable and maximising the benefits that investments would bring.
Paga is the third boat to be built and delivered by renowned Brisbane-based boat makers, Norman Wright & Sons.
Two similar boats, christened Siabo and Davage, were delivered last year and are currently being used for pilotage services at the Motukea Port.
The boat is named after the hill which overlooks the Fairfax Harbour where PNG Ports operates from in Port Moresby. Siabo was named after Edai Siabo, the chief from Boera, who envisioned the Hiri trade and Davage is named after the beach in Boera where the first lagatoi (traditional sailing vessel) was launched for the inaugural Hiri trade.
PNG Ports chose these Motuan names because it operates from the Fairfax Harbour within the port of Port Moresby and the Motuan coast where the historical trade took place.