Steamships has launched two community grants programmes to coincide with Global Community Engagement Day, reinforcing its focus on volunteerism and community-led development across Papua New Guinea.
The company introduced the Steamies LEAD Grants Programme, an internal initiative aimed at enabling employees to design and lead their own community projects. Managing Director Chris Daniells said the programme recognises the contribution staff already make through volunteering and community involvement and is intended to support them to expand that work.
Daniells also confirmed that applications are now open for the 2026 Community Grants Programme, Steamships’ flagship external funding initiative. The programme supports registered organisations delivering positive and sustainable outcomes in communities across PNG. Application details and forms are available on the Steamships website.
The announcements were made during Steamships’ first internal Lunch with Legends session for 2026. The event, themed The Community Special, brought together community partners working in areas ranging from sport and leadership to youth development, women’s advancement and community health.
Panellists included Dika Toua, founder of the LDT W8lifting Club; Esther Lavu, president of Vewala'va Association Inc.; Nelson Stone, founder of NEST Foundation; Cathy Alex, executive director of Advancing PNG Women Leaders Network; and Shirley Kaupa, programme coordinator at Magna Carta PNG Inc.
Speakers shared perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping their work and highlighted the role of partnerships in delivering long-term community impact. The discussion encouraged Steamships employees to continue active participation in community development initiatives throughout the year.
Steamships Trading Company, commonly known as Steamships, is a diversified group operating across logistics, hospitality, property and joint-venture businesses in Papua New Guinea. Established in 1918, the company has played a long-standing role in the country’s economic and social development.
The group says it remains committed to its people, the sustainability of its operations and long-term investment in PNG, positioning community engagement as a core part of its approach to business and national development.
