PNG Ports providing reliable services

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd says its provision of reliable pilotage services was proven during the first state of emergency when it ensured ports remained open.
Except for two ports in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, pilots were stationed at all ports owned and operated by PNG Ports and conduct pilotage duties.
The PNG Ports pilotage team handled 90 LNG tankers and around 3,000 vessels at its ports.
Managing director Fego Kiniafa said PNG Ports had taken steps to increase its fleet and manpower to meet the increasing demand.
“PNG Ports is prepared to deliver,” he said.
Ships were cleared while anchoring at sea before they entered the port.
Chief pilot Capt Joji Takape said health and quarantine officers travelled out to where vessels were anchored.
He said marine pilots were given the okay to board foreign vessels but were required to be in full personal protective equipment and abide by the no-contact social distancing protocol.
“PNG Ports has been providing safe and efficient pilotage services for decades with nil major accidents, nil spillages and other incidents so far,” he said.
“And to date, we have handled more than 1,000 Panamax and Aframax size tankers, including more than 600 LNG tankers.”
All international vessels were cleared at anchorage at the designated pilot boarding areas before pilot’s board the vessels and bring them alongside to berth.