Steamships Ship Management has partnered with the Australia Awards PNG Program to relaunch the Women in Maritime scholarship, expanding training and career opportunities for Papua New Guinean women seeking careers in the country's shipping industry.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed with Tetra Tech Development Pty Ltd, the delivery partner for Australia Awards PNG, will support women pursuing maritime qualifications through a combination of classroom education and practical sea-time training.
The scholarships will cover tuition at the Papua New Guinea Maritime College, as well as participant stipends, travel and insurance costs.
Under the agreement, Steamships Ship Management will provide structured sea-time placements, onboard supervision and mentoring for up to 10 women each year working toward Officer of the Watch (Deck) and Officer of the Watch (Engine) qualifications.
The initiative aims to address skills shortages in Papua New Guinea's maritime sector while encouraging greater female participation in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Graduates will complete internationally recognized qualifications alongside practical experience aboard Steamships vessels.
Nicholas Fisher, executive advisor for marine fleet and investments at Steamships' Logistics Division, said the partnership would provide women with a direct pathway into maritime careers.
"This partnership gives young PNG women real hands-on experience at sea and a genuine pathway into careers that have too often been closed to them," Fisher said.
"Steamships is proud to open our vessels and our expertise to support the next generation of PNG seafarers, and we look forward to building more similar partnerships that empower women in our industry."
He also acknowledged the Australian government's continued support for the Australia Awards Program, saying it enables collaboration to strengthen Papua New Guinea's maritime workforce.
The memorandum of understanding took effect on July 8 and will remain in force until June 30, 2027. A joint steering committee will meet quarterly to oversee implementation, review progress and identify further opportunities for collaboration.
Steamships, established in 1918, is one of Papua New Guinea's largest diversified companies, with interests spanning logistics, hospitality, property and joint ventures. Through its shipping operations, the company provides maritime transport and logistics services across the country.
